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Duty increase will discourage imports: Naseeb Ahmed

Duty increase will discourage imports: Naseeb Ahmed

Former Executive Committee Member LCCI, Chairman Halal Meat Processors and Exporters Association of Pakistan, Convener Standing Committee on Halal Food Export and Import LCCI, National Expert for Halal Food Industry Naseeb Ahmed Saifi while talking to media said that it seems that the decision to increase the duty was taken to discourage imports so as not to increase the current account deficit but unfortunately the stakeholders were not taken on board in which confusions may be creates.

Naseeb Ahmed Saifi said that the economic problems facing the country were on the rise and there was a danger of creating a shortage of all the basic necessities and then there will be an increase in inflation. He said that raw materials imported for industrial use should continue without any hindrance to ensure increased production, higher exports and supply of imports substitutes.

While rising inflation, heavy subsides to mitigate the effect of rising international prices of petroleum products and other poorly performing economic indicators are also a source of concern for the business and industrial community which can be catastrophic if not handled promptly and carefully. Now is the time for the government to make difficult decisions while dealing with political crises on a war footing because they are a major factor in shaking the confidence of local and foreign investor. He said that as Pakistan was going through a very critical period, therefore, everyone must forget their political differences for the time being and give priority to the economic and financial crises facing the country and measures that are in the wider interest of the country will have to be implemented on a priority basis.

Naseeb Ahmed Saifi said that large sums of foreign exchange earned legally by Pakistanis living abroad were still standing outside the country therefore, such foreign remittances will have to be repatriated with full tax exemption. Overseas patriotic Pakistanis need to be provided full incentive, incentives and facilities to send remittances to Pakistan. He said that the government needs to create a conducive environment so that Pakistanis abroad can transfer money to Pakistan with confidence. He said that it was time to fulfill our mutual responsibilities and work together for the country’s economy and development.

Halal meat

Based on my extensive experience in the Halal meat business, I have come the conclusion that Halal meat is not just a religious and Islamic priority. It is hundred percent a business venture for the world and hundred percent one of the best scientific medical benefits. So today we are seeing non-Muslim businessmen from non-Islamic countries dominating the global market Halal meat that is why I am compelled to analyzed and present some facts. It should be noted that the followers of Islam are widely criticized for being too conservative in their beliefs. But by the grace of Allah, all the commands to live the life of Islam are proving to be true but still where they are in the minority they are oppressed and their legitimates rights are not recognized. The same is happening with the meat industry and what is being done with the meat industry all over the world is not hidden from anyone. It is said that Halal Muslims need food for life and towards Muslims has a monopoly but in fact occupied by non-Muslim entities. It is a known fact that only Islam has made it obligatory that Halal meat is necessary for all human beings. It may be recalled that according to the definition of Halal certification services. For slaughter, the slaughterer must be a Muslim. At the time of slaughter, Bismillah, Allahu Akbar must be recited before slaughtering. Therefore, two things are certain that what non-Muslim organization are doing in the name of Halal is not very strong. Secondly, these organizations do not care whether the Halal meat is for Muslims or non-Muslims, these two points are very important but the real thing is that we also need to wake up to how we as Muslims go from the Halal meat trade. Can take more shares in global markets, it should be noted that most of the Chinese restaurants in the international food restaurants, which are also Chinese restaurant do not differentiate between all the flavors of Sanskrit food including Hindu. Sikh, Christian and whether the meat is Halal or jhatka is not taken into consideration. Which is a big problem. Now the moment of concern is that in the Zomato controversy the company tweeted that (to take the right stand of consumers on social media) food has no religion. This is a non-religious item but it has some other consequences because Halal food and, in any case complete Halal food is obligatory for Muslims it is very clear and there is no other opinion in this matter. Everyone know that in a big country like India, more than 85% of the non-Muslim population in under various compulsions, but their priority is still Halal meat. The global Halal market is wort over 54.45 trillion. It is estimated that by 2025, the global Halal meat industry will reach 79.71 trillion with a complete Muslim monopoly on it. From a different angle and according to the UK’s Food Standards Agency, 51% Halal, 31% Halal chicken and 7% slaughter beef demand in the UK and these figures are from the both Muslim and non-Muslim classes. Have come to the fore. Our livestock sector is very important but neglected and it should be remembered that it is also considered as a central component in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

The adjoining sector employs more than 8 million household. It serves as a source of meat and meat products and vital protein supplements and meats nutritional needs and essential vitamin deficiencies. It should be noted that globally, due to increasing consumer demand, growing population, income level and food choices, trade in healthy and hygienic meat and meat products has been steadily rising, but food, region, religion and economic status are still of paramount importance. However, there is no way out without acknowledging it.

I believe that in this day and age, religion is not the only thing that affects the choice of food, but principles of hygiene are very important and the need for Halal meat in terms on hygiene has become established. In this context, the growing trend of Halal foods is estimated to add another 3 trillion to the world’s trade and in addition, the US$600 billion contribution to the meat sector is gaining importance. At present, Halal meat and related products are not only a requirement of Muslims but they are also safe and comply with all the principles of hygiene which have the status of nature, proportionate value and high-quality seal while also by non-Muslim. It is getting a lot of acceptance. Today the Halal meat industry in Pakistan is active and the government is also being asked to increase the number and production of livestock and provide facilities to achieve the targets to meet the increase in local and global demand. Because it is necessary to increase the capacity of animals under the healthy choice. We can increases our foreign exchange reserves thanks to Pakistan’s meat industry by increasing livestock production.

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