KARACHI: Ministry of Energy’s director general of Department of Explosives, Abdul Ali Khan, has said that his department is working to address the concerns of chemical importers and industrialists.

During a meeting with the leadership of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Saturday, Mr Khan said his department would provide support through any available mechanisms at its disposal.

He urged chemical traders to raise their concerns collectively under the FPCCI’s umbrella, assuring them that both central and regional offices of the Explosives Department would accommodate their genuine issues.

He also offered assistance in securing necessary approvals or exemptions, on the recommendation of FPCCI, from other government offices such as the deputy commissioner and Customs.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said the federation had been receiving complaints from importers for several months.

These complaints stemmed from the amendments made to the Petroleum Act of 1934 on August 5, 2023, which introduced clauses A, B, and C to categorise petrochemicals.

According to Mr Sheikh, the amendments have led to numerous anomalies, discrepancies, and misunderstandings regarding the classification of chemicals.

Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, senior vice president of FPCCI, said the federation had recommended that clauses B and C of the amendment to the Petroleum Act be either withdrawn or suspended until the issue is fully resolved.

Mr Magoon argued that the current amendments were counterproductive for industries.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2024