Islamabad: The federal cabinet has approved tax exemption on import of tomato and onion. Private TV, quoting sources, has reported that the Federal Cabinet approved the FBR summary through circulation. Approval of sales tax exemption on import of onion and tomato, while exemption of withholding tax on import of onion and tomatos has also been approved.
Tax exemption on import of onion and tomato will be till 31 December 2022. Meanwhile, Federal Commerce Minister Naveed Qamar denied buying vegetables from India and said that no decision has been taken yet regarding importing onions and tomatoes from India. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada chaired the meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Trade, Senator Palusha Khan raised the issue of import of vegetables from India in the meeting.
He asked that the Ministry of Commerce is considering importing tomatoes and onions from India. The Finance Minister is saying that private companies are proposing to import from India. Federal Minister of Education Naveed Qamar explained that the import of vegetables from India has not been allowed so far. It has been decided to import tomatoes and onions from Iran and Afghanistan, the decision to import vegetables from India will also be taken after consultation with all stakeholders.
He said that the import from Iran and Afghanistan will also be through private companies, the government will play the role of facilitator. The prices of vegetables are increasing, standing crops have been damaged due to floods and new crops cannot be cultivated due to standing water, agricultural sector has been affected by floods, next month we may face shortage of food.
