Fee on Goods
ISLAMABAD: The government imposed a 10 percent processing fee on goods to be imported under the Afghan transit trade agreement.
This decision, aimed at curbing smuggling activities and ensuring proper taxation, coincides with the government’s directive instructing all illegal immigrants.
As per the Customs Department’s notification (SRO1381 of 2023), this fee on goods, equivalent to 10 percent of the ad valorem value of the goods, must be paid in advance during the declaration process for Afghan transit commercial goods entering Afghanistan via Pakistan.
The affected items encompass confectioneries, chocolates, footwear, various machinery, blankets, home textiles, and garments.
Notably, the Pakistan government will not impose fee on goods declarations filed before October 3.
Customs officials suspect that some goods, originally intended for Afghanistan, are being clandestinely redirected back into Pakistan. It prompted the implementation of this new measure. They have observed a recent surge in cargo volume, exceeding the annual demand of Afghanistan’s transit trade, estimated at $1 billion to $2 billion. The officials anticipate that this fee will serve as a deterrent to those involved in illicit trade activities.
Under the transit trade agreement, Pakistan retains the right to impose processing fees on cargo.
Pakistan has previously provided economic support to Afghanistan, including tax and duty exemptions on various commodities. This was done following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021.
Additionally, since July 6 of the previous year, the government allowed trade of all products via land routes to Kabul in Pakistani rupees.
Meanwhile, commodities like wheat, flour, sugar, and urea have been added to the essential commodities list to strengthen the legal framework.
Moreover, the jurisdiction of the Customs Act has been expanded from 5km to 10km near the borders with Afghanistan, India, and Iran, and up to 50km in specific Balochistan districts.
Govt sets Nov 1 deadline for illegal foreigners to leave Pakistan
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti issued an ultimatum, stating that all illegal immigrants in the country must depart from Pakistan by November 1. Failure to do so will result in deportation by all law enforcement agencies.
The interior minister addressed a press conference in Islamabad, briefing the media on the decisions taken during a meeting of the National Apex Committee. He emphasized that the welfare and security of Pakistani citizens take precedence over any foreign country or its policies.
The first significant decision made pertains to addressing the issue of illegal immigrants residing in Pakistan through unlawful means. A deadline of November 1 has been established for them to voluntarily return to their home countries. If they fail to do so by that date, all law enforcement agencies (LEAs) at both the federal and provincial levels will be involved in deporting them.
Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi separately announced that illegal immigrants now have 28 days to leave Pakistan.
