ISLAMABAD, Aug 11: The Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA) is harming the industry in Pakistan for decades and, therefore, it should either be immediately scrapped or suitably amended to save local manufacturing sector.

Pakistan Economy Watch Chairman Muhammad Akram Shahid said in a lecture on Monday that a number of items should be taken off the import list to save local industry and help eliminate Bara culture from the country.

Strict vigilance on borders is also needed as some estimates suggest that smuggling is costing around $80 billion annually.

He said barring import of high-tariff and banned goods will not only promote local industry but also help Federal Board of Revenue to collect additional revenues to the tune of 20-30 per cent.

National Logistics Cell and Pakistan Railways should not be allowed to sublet carriage contracts. Only government transport should be allowed to carry ATTA goods.

Similarly, it was noted that majority of ATTA importers belong to Pakistan, who bring the imported items back to the local and sell it on competitive rates hurting the local manufacturers.

Dr Murtaza Mughal, president Pakistan Economy Watch said the bulk of the ever-growing volume of goods imported for Afghanistan not only find their way into border areas of this country, but also flood the markets in almost all cities.