The APTTA demands abolishment of ACD (Additional Customs Duty) of 2 percent on the import of wood & timber falling u/r 44.01 to 44.07 of Pakistan Customs Tariff.

Upon representation before FBR & higher authorities of Ministry of Finance, the Chairman standing Committee of Finance, Revenue affairs invited APTTA leadership to personally present and explain the case before Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on 23rd Dec 2019.

The chairman APTTA, Sharjil Goplani presented the case before the committee members, being chaired by the chairman of Committee Faizullah.

Arguing to abolish the 2 percent additional custom duty, APTTA chairman said that due to increased tax, more trees are being chopped down in forests of upper regions in order to meet local demand. The increasing demand will lead to a-forestation and degradation of environment to a dangerous level.

The government would be spending 1000 times more to collect a small amount to be collected as 2 percent tax and will spend even more on growing more trees by taking 1 billion tree plantation drive to save the environment.

The best strategy to earn more revenues would be by allowing import of timber at concessional or normal rates to meet the local demands. This would in turn save more money to be spent on increasing lands under forest besides improving environment and safety to local flora and fauna, APTTA chairman said.

The chairman & members of Committee including senior official of FBR gave patient hearing and were much impressed with the presentation of chairman APTTA & assured of favorable decision.

The MNA Committee members present there were Jawad Hussain, Raza Nasrullah, Makhdoom Syed Sami ul Hassan Gillani, Aisha Ghous Pasha, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Dr Nafeesa Shah.-PR