Pakistan : Haroon Akhtar assures swift resolution of issues facing the edible oil industry
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, has pledged swift government action to support Pakistan’s ghee and cooking oil sector amid industry challenges. During a meeting with the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), he assured clearance of outstanding dues and promised to recommend the removal of Section 8B of the Sales Tax Act. PVMA leaders called for eased tax regulations and prompt receivables payments to sustain the sector vital for Pakistan’s food security and economy.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, has pledged prompt action to address the challenges facing Pakistan’s ghee and cooking oil sector. He said the government is fully aware of the industry’s concerns and is committed to supporting its sustainability. “The business community is the backbone of the national economy, and we do not intend to burden it further,” he remarked during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) led by its Chairman, Sheikh Umer Rehan.
The delegation also included FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, PVMA Vice Chairman Sheikh Khalid Islam, Secretary Industries and Production Saif Anjum, along with Abdul Razzaq, Rasheed Jan Mohammad, Muhammad Waheed Chaudhry, Sajid Ali Malik, Mian Naveed Ahmad, Ahmad Ghulam Hussain, and Shakeel Ashfaq.
Haroon Akhtar further stated that, on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all outstanding dues owed to the ghee and oil manufacturers would be cleared without delay. “We are committed to facilitating this sector through every possible means,” he said, adding that he would recommend the removal of Section 8B of the Sales Tax Act to the Prime Minister.
While acknowledging the outstanding dues, he assured the delegation that efforts would be intensified to expedite the disbursement of the industry’s receivables. “The Ministry of Industries and Production stands with the business community, and resolving their issues remains a top priority,” he emphasized.
During the meeting, PVMA Chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan voiced concerns over the financial strain faced by the ghee and cooking oil industry. He highlighted delays in bank retirement documents, which are disrupting business operations. He appealed to the government to ease sales tax regulations for the edible oil sector, specifically calling for immediate payment of outstanding receivables, Repeal of Section 8B of the Sales Tax Act, and Withdrawal of Section 40B of the Amended Tax Ordinance 2025.
Rehan urged the government to adopt business-friendly policies to ensure relief reaches consumers. He stressed the critical role of the edible oil industry in Pakistan’s food security and economic framework. “We stand by the government and hope our concerns will be addressed on a priority basis,” he concluded.
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Source : Trade Chronicle
