Private sector: Prime Minister approves duty-free import of solar panels

In a major decision to overcome the energy crisis and provide cheap alternative source of energy, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has allowed private sector to import duty-free solar panels. The Prime Minister gave the approval on the recommendations of the Committee on Alternate Energy Resources headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
The Federal Board of Revenue has issued necessary instructions to relevant Customs Departments in this regard. The Alternate Energy Board was of the view that the local manufacturing is limited and lacks the required international certification and standards. It also recommended waiving off import duty on solar panels. Solar power plants would help reduce extraordinary load on existing supply of power and reduction in loadshedding.