Azad Jammu and Kashmir needs special attention of the government of Pakistan especially Federal Board of Revenue, Islamabad for taking serious steps to increase trade and industrial activities.
Under SRO 565(1)/2006, Federal government has allowed import of industrial raw materials, which is not manufactured locally on applicable concessionary and statutory rate of custom duty to importer-cum-manufacturers to, those who have suitable inhouse facilities in Pakistan. But such concession is not allowed to the industrial units in Azad Jammu and Kashmir territory.
AJK government has adopted Pakistan Custom Act 1969 and other federal tax laws and FBR is collecting taxes on imports raw materials used or consumed in AJK area. If such concession under the said SRO is not allowed in area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on import of raw materials than the industrial units in AJK will be forced to close down.
They will be not in position to compete pricewise. All products or goods manufactured in Pakistan are selling in AJK. FBR should create fair, free and healthy competition among manufacturers of Pakistan and AJK and help to expand the industrial activities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.