The Federal Government has released a list of luxury and non-essential items that have been banned for import in Pakistan. The country has entered an economical crisis with the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) falling constantly against the US Dollar (USD to PKR) because of the depleting foreign exchange reserves brought on by a massive trade deficit.
The announcement was made by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb during a press conference in Islamabad. She said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was working day and night to stabilize the economy, which is why the government has decided to impose a ban on import of all non-essential and luxury items in the country.
Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his decision to ban import of luxury items will save the country precious foreign exchange. “We will practice austerity and financially stronger people must lead in this effort so that the less privileged among us do not have to bear this burden inflicted on them by the PTI Govt.” said the premier. “Together we will overcome all the challenges with resolve and determination, InshAllah.” he added.
Together we will overcome all the challenges with resolve and determination, InshaAllah! 🇵🇰 https://t.co/gIM7lqcjls
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 19, 2022
The decision comes at a time when the Pakistani Rupee continues its downward trend against the US Dollar (USD to PKR). The local currency has depreciated to Rs. 200 against the greenback with no signs of stopping. The Pakistani Rupee has fallen by Rs. 15.91 since 1st April, bringing it to Rs. 200 on 19th April 2022 at the closing of the inter-bank market.
Read more: Dollar Rate in Pakistan – 19 May 2022.
List of Luxury Items Banned For Import in Pakistan
- Automobiles
- Mobile phones
- Home appliances
- Fruits and dry fruits (except from Afghanistan)
- Crockery
- Private weapons and ammunition
- Shoes
- Chandeliers and lighting (except energy savers)
- Headphones and loudspeakers
- Sauces
- Doors and window frames
- Travelling bags and suitcases
- Sanitary ware
- Fish and frozen fish
- Carpets (except from Afghanistan)
- Preserved fruits
- Tissue paper
- Furniture
- Shampoos
- Confectionary
- Luxury mattresses and sleeping bags
- Jams and jelly
- Cornflakes
- Toiletries
- Heaters, blowers
- Sunglasses
- Kitchen ware
- Aerated water
- Frozen meat
- Juices
- Pasta
- Ice cream
- Cigarettes
- Shaving goods
- Luxury leather apparel
- Musical instruments
- Salon items like hair dryers etc
- Chocolates
Government has banned the import of following luxury items to save precious foreign exchange. pic.twitter.com/7JVMYQ0HNx
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 19, 2022
Information Minister said that it was an emergency situation and Pakistanis would need to make sacrifices under the economic plan, adding that the ban on these imported items will help save the country around $6billion. However, she mentioned that import orders where the letter of credit had already been opened or where payment had been made would be processed but no newer ones would be entertained.
What do you think about the government’s decision to ban the import of these luxury and non-essential items? Let us know in the comments below.
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This ‘Import list ban’ if luxury items is just a farce.
A country, Whose Institutions are corrupt to the core as we see and hear daily where the crooks now ruling the country never get indicted for crimes they are accused of despite overwhelming proofs to send them down for life…this ban is just another way of ‘earning…topping up’ their wages with bribes to clear the items through the borders.
In other words, the ordinary citizen of Pakistan will face hardships when returning from abroad with presents for family/ friends…and will have to bribe their way past the criminal custims agents.
When there are criminals in the country’s ruling seats…this kind of criminal activities will be rife.
Good luck to Pakistanis… !!!!☝️😁🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰