ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Government Assurances has shown serious concern over non-payment of refunds to exporters by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The standing committee took ‘serious notice’ of non-payment of refund claims to exporters despite the government’s announcement. The committee directed the authorities at the Ministry of Finance and the FBR to give details of the exporters, along with the outstanding amounts, and the reasons thereof.
Earlier the committee considered the assurance – given by the minister of state for health services, regulation and coordination on the floor of the House – that no negligence would be shown in the elimination of unmonitored blood banks in Islamabad.
The committee was brief by senior officials of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination that in compliance with the committee, the government had established the Islamabad Blood Transfusion Authority (IBTA) that was responsible for regulating blood banks and ensuring quality blood transfusion. The committee disposed of the agenda item, as the compliance was made in letters and spirit.
The committee also took assurance given by minister for textile industry that any sort of obstacle in the expansion of exports would be removed.
The committee also considered the assurance given by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar about the establishment of a branch of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL) in Zafarwal. The committee was informed that the branch of the bank had been established in time, and that it was fully functional.