Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet has taken steps to streamline the process for clearing humanitarian donations from customs. This move aims to ensure timely delivery of critical aid, particularly medical supplies and food supplements.
Background:
- The National Health Services (NHS) division highlighted alarming malnutrition rates among pregnant women in Pakistan.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends micronutrient supplements (MMS) to address these deficiencies.
- Two US charities, Kirk Humanitarian (KH) and Junaid Family Foundation (JFF), donated MMS shipments for free distribution.
- Previous shipments cleared customs quickly due to COVID-19 emergency measures.
- A new shipment faced delays due to a stricter interpretation of customs regulations.
Cabinet’s Decisions:
- Directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to expedite clearance for genuine humanitarian donations, including medicine, food supplements, and relief goods.
- Emphasized the need for simplified procedures to prevent spoilage and ensure timely delivery.
- Instructed the FBR to verify the legitimacy of each donation.
- Directed the Revenue Division to amend laws to grant tax and duty exemptions for verified humanitarian donations without requiring Cabinet approval.
- Instructed all ministries to process donation requests swiftly.
Looking Ahead:
These measures aim to create a more efficient system for delivering vital humanitarian aid to those in need. Amending laws for automatic exemptions could further expedite the process in the future.
