KARACHI, July 17: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz on Wednesday assured to clear all the outstanding sales tax refund payments pertaining to year 2001, within next 15 days.

In a meeting with leaders of Apparel Forum held in Islamabad, the finance minister assured that refund payments will be expedited and all cases pertaining to year 2001 will be cleared by July 31, 2002.

The minister, who was assisted by officials from CBR, Sales Tax and Customs, agreed to waive additional tax and penalty for those who make voluntary payments for those cases of double refund made in the year 1996.

However, Shaukat Aziz said these payments should be made by July 31, 2002, if a relief of additional tax and penalty have to be availed.

The Apparel Forum leaders also strongly pleaded for their case with regard to get rebate at the level bedlinen exporters are getting at 4.43 per cent instead of 1.24 per cent.

The minister asked the participants to submit suggestions and only then the government will be in a position to consider their case. He further said that without reconciling rebates no decision could be made.

The newly formed Apparel Forum comprises four leading textile ancillary exporting bodies — Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), Pakistan Knitwear & Sweaters Exporters Association (Paksea) and Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA).