ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top cha­­mbers of commerce and industry on Wednesday urged the Senate Stan­­­ding Committee on Finance and Revenue to get anti-export levies and the Special Tax Regime for the erstwhile Federally Adminis­te­red Tribal Areas (Fata) removed in the upcoming federal budget 2025-26.

Industry representatives warned that these measures are draining national revenue and stifling economic growth, urging lawmakers to support business-friendly policies in the next budget for the country’s economic development.

The committee, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, initiated consultations with the chambers of commerce and industry to make proposals for incorporation in the Budget 2025-26.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Jaw­ed Bilwani spoke at length about the special tax regime for the ex-Fata region. He stated that tea imports had an abnormal surge of about five times compared to their population of four million people, causing a revenue loss of Rs30 billion annually because of this special facility.

Demand removal of special tax facility for erstwhile Fata region

He also highlighted the issue of low duties and........

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