QUETTA: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Sunday assured the business community of Balochistan that every possible measure would be taken to address their concerns and promote trade activities in the province.

The committee in its meeting, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, emphasised that the development of trade was essential for economic prosperity and plays a vital role in reducing unemployment. The members also assured that proposals submitted by the business community of Balochistan would be given priority consideration.

During the session, President of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muhammad Ayub Miryani, highlighted the issues arising from the increase in bi-land route valuation. He said the higher valuation was discouraging legal trade and pushing traders towards smuggling.

Miryani urged the committee to grant traders engaged in land-route business a special tax valuation relief of 25pc to 30pc in view of ground realities. He also demanded the withdrawal of SRO (No. 1387/2025), stating that it had led to heavy fines on imported goods. He further called for keeping business gates with Iran open round the clock and speeding up the clearance of cargo vehicles. He also demanded the removal of EIF conditions.

The committee reiterated its commitment to fully support the province’s business community.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2026