ISLAMABAD, Aug 22: The value of Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) increased by 11.6 per cent during the first month of financial year 2003-04 over the corresponding month of last year.

Official figures released by Central Board of Revenue (CBR) here on Friday showed that the value of ATT during the month of July this year stood at Rs1.722 billion against Rs1.543 billion of last year, an increase of Rs0.179 billion.

A senior official in the CBR said that due to removal of eight items from the negative list, the imports under ATT registered an increase this year during the first month of current financial year.

He said that the government is also considering a request of the Afghan government for further removal of items from the negative list.

The official said withdrawal of only those items from the list could be considered which were not prone to smuggling.

The total value of import stood at Rs16.436 billion during the year 2002-03 against Rs13.413 billion over the corresponding year, showing an increase of 22.53 per cent.