KARACHI, April 5: Deputy head of British Mission in the city, Roger Sykes on Friday promised to take up the issue of ‘war-risk surcharge’ with the UK insurance companies and would convince them to withdraw the same at the earliest.

In a meeting with Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Maqbool A. Shaikh in the chamber premises here, he said the UK and Pakistan enjoyed good relations which could further be strengthened. While highlighting the importance of SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) sector in Pakistan economy, he stated that he would see how far the UK would be of any help in the development of this sector.

He opined that after the restoration of democracy following the October elections, Pakistan’s image in the international community would be further enhanced.

Earlier, Maqbool Shaikh said the business community of Pakistan was facing many-sided hardships due to imposition of war-risk surcharge.

He said it was ironical that Pakistan was neither involved in any war nor has been experiencing war-like situation, but its external trade had been subjected to such harsh surcharge without any justification.

He urged the British deputy head to use his good offices for the removal of the surcharge.—APP