KARACHI: The All Pakistan Betel Net Manufacturers and Importers Association (APBMIA) has completed the election of its office-bearers in line with national laws, the association said in a statement.
The statement said the primary objective of setting up the body is to contribute to the national economy and resolve difficulties faced by stakeholders in the legal betel nut trade.
Names of the office-bearers will be announced shortly at a ceremony, after which the elected office-bearers and representatives will step up efforts through mutual consultation and a joint course of action.
General Secretary Anwar Iqbal earlier issued a list of the office-bearers, which will also be sent to the Ministry of Commerce and government institutions including the Federal Board of Revenue, Customs and the Department of Plant Protection. This will enable the body to take all possible measures for its members within the ambit of national laws.
The statement said decisions made in the spirit of unity and consensus would play an important role in the welfare of industrialists, traders, importers and shopkeepers associated with the legal trade.
Talking to Trade News, Iqbal said betel nut imports have come to a complete halt due to the government’s irresponsible actions, with legally imported containers lying at various ports for several months.
“Smugglers are thriving in these circumstances,” he said, adding that the price of betel nut has shot up from Rs800 per kilogram to Rs4,000.
He said that despite strict orders by Field Marshal Asim Munir to prevent smuggling, betel nut and other items continue to be smuggled and sold openly in markets across the country. The association was formed after these orders were issued, he said, but it is a matter of regret that government institutions are not taking strict action against smuggling.
