ISLAMABAD: In a meeting at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), it was decided that the Ministry will issue import permits of onion and tomatoes within 24 hours.

The Ministry has also proposed to FBR to waive-off taxes and levies on import of onion and tomatoes. It is expected that this will be made effective on immediate basis. These steps are taken to ensure a supply of the essential commodity in the market and to stabilize the prices.

According to the details, the importers will be allowed to import onion and tomatoes. Ministry of National Food and Security has directed the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to facilitate the import and ensure that there are no hinderance for importers. MNFSR has taken on-board all the stakeholders with an aim to ensure a supply of the essential commodities to the consumers. Furthermore, a contact group to facilitate imports is created, where importers will be able to share their problems.

While a team at Ministry of National Food Security will monitor the situation and will take necessary action for redressal. Ministry of National Food Security and Research has taken the above decisions to ensure that onion and tomatoes are available in the market at reasonable rates to the consumers.

Pakistan Embassies in Iran, Afghanistan, UAE and other countries have been requested to assist imports. Ministry of National Food Security and Research, with stakeholders, will continue to take necessary steps to ensure food security in the country in the times when crops have been heavily damaged because of recent floods and rains.

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