ISLAMABAD, Jan 18: The government on Thursday allowed import of mild steel and galvanised iron sheets from India for exclusive use in the reconstruction in the quake-affected areas of Azad Kashmir and the NWFP.

The decision was announced through a notification issued here by the commerce ministry on Thursday. The government had earlier allowed import of only corrugated galvanised iron sheets SWG 26/24 till Sept 30.

The decision on import of the products from India would come into force from Jan 18, and remain operative till March 31. Under the new notification, government allowed import of new products from India.

According to the notification, the import of mild steel (MS) reinforcement bars grade 40/60, mild steel angle iron sections graded 40/60 and corrugated galvanised iron sheets SWG falling under their respective headings from India would be allowed via land route as well, for exclusive use in the reconstruction of earthquake affected areas on the recommendations of the ERRA.