Afghan Transit Trade: Pakistan imposes huge processing fee
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Concerned about smuggling, the federal government has taken a significant step by imposing a 10% processing fee on income generated under Afghan transit trade. According to media reports, a series of actions and measures are underway by the vigilant federal government to combat smuggling.
A 10% processing fee has been levied on the income from the import of 5 items under Afghan transit trade, and Pakistan Customs has issued SR No. 1380 for immediate implementation. A 10% processing fee has also been imposed on the income from the import of 10 lines of chocolate and toffees, 21 lines of footwear, and all machinery of Chapters 84 and 85 except for home appliances.
Similarly, a processing fee has been imposed on the income from the import of 10 lines of blankets and home textiles, as well as 33 lines of clothing. On the other hand, a meeting of the apex committee was held under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar. During the meeting, matters related to the illegal stay of foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the country were reviewed.
The apex committee decided to take further strict action against hundi, smuggling, and electricity theft. There will also be strict action against drug trafficking, with the aim of the welfare and security of every Pakistani. No one will be allowed to impose their agenda through the use of weapons, and evidence of the involvement of Afghan citizens in acts of terrorism during violent incidents in Pakistan is present.
Extremist violence will be dealt with firmly. Interior Minister Shehryar Afridi stated during a news conference that foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the country should leave the country by November 1st. Non-returning foreign nationals will be deported. The Interior Ministry's task force will identify the properties and businesses of unlawfully residing individuals. A DNA test will be conducted on individuals with fake identity cards.
No one will be allowed to enter Pakistan without a passport. Interior Minister Shehryar Afridi stated that Pakistan is the only country where people enter without a passport, but from November 1st, unlawful residents should return first. The process of identity cards was very disorganized. Those who hold illegal identity cards will be rewarded.
The properties of illegal residents will be seized after November 1st. The task force will take action, and strict action will be taken against those who damage Nadra's family tree. Action will also be taken against government officials involved in corruption. At present, there are around 4.4 million Afghan citizens in Pakistan, and only 1.4 million are registered. After November 1st, arrests of unlawful individuals will also be carried out, and if there is any doubt about someone's identity, a DNA test will be conducted for verification.
