Pakistan further toughens Afghan transit trade regime

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): In an attempt to contain the menace of smuggling, Pakistan has toughened the Afghan transit trade (ATT) regime.

As part of new conditions, 25 percent of ATT consignments will be selected for scanning and 10 percent for examination by the Risk Management System (RMS).

The News reported on Sunday the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had made bank guarantees equal to duties and taxes mandatory on ATT consignments.

The tough measures are aimed at ensuring that Afghanistan-bound goods reach their final destination and are not smuggled back into Pakistan.

The FBR issued two new  Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) to curb the misuse of transit trade and reinforce efforts against the smuggling of dollars.

Former economic adviser Dr Khaqan Najeeb believes the policy measures will help check the unlawful sale of in-transit items in Pakistan.

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