Computer Vendors Association (CVA) has demanded of the government to withdraw 5 percent duty imposed on the import of computers in federal budget 2004-05.
"The imposition of duty will not only increase the prices of computers but also encourage there smuggling," M. Ibrahim Qureshi, Joint Secretary of the association told a news conference here.
Arif Nasir, finance secretary, CVA was also present on the occasion.
Qureshi said that a delegation of the association would call on Federal Information Technology Minister, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari during his visit to Lahore on June 21.
"We will request the minister to plead computer vendors case with the federal government," he said.
He said that government should have imposed duty on the foreign branded computers instead of those being assembled in Pakistan.
He said that imposition of the duty was likely to increase the price of an average computer by Rs 1500 to 2000 each.
Qureshi said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) had sent the recommendation for the withdrawal of 5 percent duty to the National Tariff Commission (NTC).
He said that imposition of the duty would badly affect the sale of computers in Pakistan which presently stood at 0.5 million.