STEEL imports in Pakistan through gross under-invoicing as modus operandi is no secret. The steelmakers have informed the government recently of regular imports of brand new prime steel in large quantities from Iran and Afghanistan through Balochistan under the cover of scrap/re-rollable steel.

This illegal practice has been going on unabated for quite some time. Thus, the importers cause massive revenue loss as a result of duty evasion. Smuggling of steel from the neighbouring countries also continues without any check or control by the government agencies.

This malpractice, however, has gained a new dimension. The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Textile was recently informed that a high-level official was facilitating smuggling of steel scrap from Iran through land route.

The government should not ignore the statement and take immediate notice.

Hussain Siddiqui
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2019