KARACHI: Dr Nasir Saleem Nasaka, during a discussion with Senator Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali, has urged the government to allow duty-free import of life-saving herbal medicines in the federal budget, on the pattern of certain allopathic medicines already being imported without duty.
Presenting his budget proposals, Dr Nasaka said that duty-free import of life-saving herbal medicines would provide major relief to poor and middle-income patients who are unable to afford expensive treatment. He said that herbal medicines are widely used by a large segment of the population and reducing duties on such medicines would help make them more accessible and affordable.
Dr Nasaka also proposed that in case of the death of a patient in a private hospital, the outstanding treatment bill should be waived. He said that bereaved families already suffer immense emotional pain and should not be further burdened with heavy hospital dues after losing their loved ones.
In another proposal, he urged the government to allow duty-free import of animals from different countries in order to increase meat supply in the local market. He said that such a step could help bring down meat prices and make them affordable for poor people.
Dr Nasaka further suggested that the government should increase the export price of pink salt, describing it as a precious national mineral that has strong demand in the international market. He said Pakistan should benefit more from the global value of pink salt by ensuring better pricing and marketing.
He also proposed that the government should fix the compensatory rebate rate at 12.5 percent, which, according to him, would help boost exports and strengthen the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
Dr Nasaka further suggested the imposition of a 35 percent rebate on polyester, stating that this measure could support local industry, encourage exports and help improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
He emphasized that the federal budget should focus on public relief, export promotion, healthcare support and measures to reduce the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
