Prime Mini-ster Imran Khan Tuesday directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to clear pending refunds of exporters and subsequently remove bottlenecks from the new refund payment system of the FBR.

Prime Minister Imran Khan issued these directions while presiding over a meeting of his economic team. The matters which came under discussion included business community's refunds, plans of construction of 500,000 houses, and inauguration of 'Food Bank' program with the assistance of non-governmental welfare organization Akhuwat.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Shabbar Zaidi briefed the meeting about the steps taken in connection with payment of refunds to exporters.

Regarding payment of refunds to exporters, the Prime Minister stressed that it must be ensured that business community doesn't face any difficulty.

He said that increase in exports of the country is a very important objective as far as improvement of economy of the country is concerned, adding that in connection with this, it is utmost priority of the government to facilitate exporters in every possible way. Some complaints regarding payment of refunds to some business circles have been received which should be compensated at the earliest, PM Khan added. He further said that all facilities must be provided to the business community in connection with introducing new system in this regard.

While briefing the committee about the construction of houses, particularly for the low-income people, Chairman New Pakistan Housing Authority Lt Gen Anwar Ali Haider (retd) said that development has been made in this regard.