Protecting local industry: NA body recommends 100% duty on milk import

Says prohibited powder being mixed in imported milk

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce has recommended 100% duty on the import of milk in order to push for consumption of locally produced product.

MNA Siraj Muhammad Khan, who chaired a meeting of the standing committee, expressed his reservations about the quality of imported milk and the mixing of a prohibited powder.

Officials of the Ministry of Commerce briefed the committee on the production of milk in the country, saying the annual output stood at 52 million tons compared to the demand for 42 million tons.

Responding to the revelation, the committee members asked if there was a surplus, why milk was not being exported to other countries.

“Local farmers have been badly affected by the import of milk,” commented MNA Rana Hayat.

Khan said imported milk could not be prepared without the mixing of a powder which was not halal. Moreover, urea and other unhealthy things were being mixed with dry milk.

He called for giving protection to the local dairy market by increasing the duty on imported milk.

Customs officials said their department lacked the resources needed to curb the illegal milk trade. The committee members directed them to take measures to stop the smuggling of milk into the country.

The meeting was attended by MNAs and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2016.

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