ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the prime minister on Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, chaired two separate meetings here on Friday with representatives of fertilizer industry and All Pakistan Textile Manufacturers Association (APTMA) to discuss the issue of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC).
Special Advisor to prime minister (SAPM) on Petroleum Nadeem Baber and minister for Industries, Hammad Azhar, were present during the meetings. The officials of the ministry of Finance, Petroleum Division and Federal board of Revenue (FBR) also assisted the meeting.
Lt. Gen. (Retd) Tariq Khan, chairman, FMPAC and chairman APTMA, Dr. Amanullah Kassim Machiyara in two separate meetings requested the adviser Finance to extend the time limit for the payment of GIDC so that both industries have a better liquidity position.
The adviser discussed the issue in detail with the participants of the meeting and provided due opportunity to share their views supported by the relevant facts. The advisor on Finance, however, underlined that decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has to be implemented. The SAPM on Petroleum and Minister for Industries also briefed the meeting.
After detailed deliberations the meeting decided that the issue will be resolved in the light of the decision of the court but the government will also support the industry in the post Corona environment. The adviser directed that two separate sub-groups will be formed to look into the issue of GIDC to propose 2-3 workable options for the amicable solution. The first group shall have representatives from the fertilizer industry, Finance ministry, FBR and adviser Petroleum to be headed by the minister for Industries. The second group shall have representatives from APTMA, Finance ministry, FBR, Adviser Petroleum, adviser to PM on Commerce and minister for Industries. The minister for Industries shall chair both groups and shall present recommendations in the meeting to be held next week.
