ISLAMABAD, Oct 15: The value of dutiable imports went up by 9.69 per cent to Rs103.758 billion during the first quarter (July- September) of the current financial year against Rs94.586 billion during the corresponding period of last year.

Official figures released by Central Board of Revenue (CBR), here on Tuesday showed that the value of total imports increased by 7.783 per cent to Rs172.481 billion during the July-Sept period of 2002-03 against Rs160.026 billion during the same period last year.

On the other hand, the value of duty free imports stood at Rs68.723bn during the same period this year against Rs65.44bn during the same period last year, showing an increase of 5 per cent.

The total revenue from the dutiable imports during the first quarter stood at Rs13.353 billion this year against Rs10.832 billion during the same period last year, showing an increase of 23pc.

Official in CBR attributed the increase in the dutiable imports to reduction in maximum customs tariff to 25 per cent from 30 per cent this year.