KARACHI: The All Pakistan Betel Nut Manufacturers and Importers Association (APBMIA) said it is working to resolve problems facing the betel nut industry and has stepped up contacts with senior government officials, the group’s secretary general said.
Iqbal Bhai, the association’s secretary general, told Tijarat News in an exclusive interview that the problems of all stakeholders in the sector would be addressed on a priority basis.
“The betel nut industry is being destroyed under a well-thought-out conspiracy, and the direct beneficiary of this organized conspiracy is the smuggler mafia,” Iqbal Bhai said.
He did not offer evidence for the claim or name those he held responsible.
He urged everyone in the industry to come forward, import goods legally and operate factories and units openly “without any fear or pressure.”
Iqbal Bhai said APBMIA is in direct contact with the heads of government institutions and other senior authorities. He said the contacts are meant to bring about timely resolution of issues involving Customs, the Department of Plant Protection and laboratories.
He described the betel nut industry as important to the national economy and said the association is working “day and night” to address its concerns.
Iqbal Bhai, did not specify the nature of the problems with Customs, the plant protection department or laboratories, nor did he give a timeline for their resolution.
