In a bid to alleviate the mounting financial pressure on Pakistan”s ghee and cooking oil sector, Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, has committed to immediate measures aimed at supporting the industry.

Acknowledging the sector”s critical role in the national economy, he assured that the government would not impose further burdens on the business community.

During a meeting on Monday with a delegation from the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), led by Chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan, Khan revealed plans to clear all outstanding dues to the manufacturers without delay. He emphasized the government”s dedication to facilitating the sector and proposed recommending the removal of Section 8B of the Sales Tax Act to the Prime Minister.

Sheikh Umer Rehan, voicing the industry”s concerns, highlighted the financial challenges exacerbated by delays in bank retirement documents and appealed for eased sales tax regulations. He also called for the repeal of Section 8B of the Sales Tax Act and the withdrawal of Section 40B of the Amended Tax Ordinance 2025 to provide relief and ensure the sustainability of the edible oil sector.

Rehan underscored the industry”s importance to Pakistan”s food security and economic framework, urging the government to implement businessfriendly policies to benefit consumers and the nation at large.