‘US sanctions’ hampering trade with Iran

Commerce aide’s absence irks NA body

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the absence of Prime Minister's Adviser on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood.

The body decided to write letters to the aide and secretary of commerce, warning that if they do not take the parliament seriously, the parliament will not bother to take them seriously either.

The sitting met under the chairmanship of Naveed Qamar.

During the meeting, the representative of the commerce ministry told the panel that Pakistan’s trade with Iran was hampered by the US sanctions. They said that commercial banks were also hesitant about trading with Iran, urging the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to find a solution.

The committee summoned the SBP officials to the next meeting.

However, the committee’s chairman pointed out that European countries were also engaged in trade with Iran, asking what was keeping Pakistan from doing trade with the country.

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The officials of the commerce ministry explained that LPG was being imported from Iran and trade has also resumed through Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The committee also reviewed measures to increase exports of fruits and vegetables.

However, the panel registered dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by the ministry’s officials and said that the panel should be apprised about what steps have been taken to increase exports of fruits and vegetables.

“Don't fool us, traditional briefings won't work,” Qamar said.

The chairman of the committee directed the officials to prepare the presentation again.

The committee decided to write letters to the trade adviser and secretary of trade.

 

“If they do not take the parliament seriously then the parliament will not take them seriously either,” the chair of the meeting warned.