RESTRICTED
WT/TPR/S/311
17 February 2015
(15-0938)  Page: 1/111
Trade Policy Review Body  
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT 
PAKISTAN  
This report, prepared for the fourth Trade Policy Review of Pakistan, has been drawn up by the 
WTO Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Se cretariat has, as required by the Agreement 
establishing the Trade Policy Review Mech anism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the World Trade Organization), sought clarification from Pakistan on its trade policies 
and practices.  Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Mr. Arne Klau (022 739 
5706); Mr. Peter Pedersen (022 739 5848) and Mr. Usman Ali Khilji (022 739 6936). 
 Document WT/TPR/G/311 contains the policy statement submitted by Pakistan. 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the first 
session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review  Body on Pakistan. This report was drafted in 
English. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  CONTENTS 
SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... . 8 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................ 11  
1.1   Recent Econ omic Developments.................................................................................. 11 
1.2   Monetary and Ex change Rate  Policy ............................................................................ 14 
1.3   Fiscal Policy and Public Debt ....................................................................................... 15 
1.4   Othe r Issu es ............................................................................................................  15 
1.4.1   Fiscal consolidation and public sector enterprises ........................................................ 15 
1.4.2   Energy sector ........................................................................................................ 16 
1.5   Balance of Payments ................................................................................................. 16 
1.6   Developments in Trade .............................................................................................. 18 
1.6.1   Composition of merchandise trade ............................................................................ 18 
1.6.2   Direction of  merchandis e trade ................................................................................ 18 
1.7   Foreign Direct  Investment  (FDI) ................................................................................. 20 
2   TRADE AND INVE STMENT RE GIME ............................................................................ 22  
2.1   Genera l Framework .................................................................................................. 22 
2.2   Trade Policy Formulation and Implementation ............................................................... 22 
2.2.1   Objectives  and stra tegy .......................................................................................... 22 
2.2.2   Main trade la ws and regu lations ............................................................................... 24 
2.3   Trade Agreements and Arrangements .......................................................................... 25 
2.3.1   WTO ................................................................................................................... . 25 
2.3.1.1   Objectives and trade negotiations .......................................................................... 26 
2.3.1.2   No tificati ons .......................................................................................................  26 
2.3.1.3   Disp ute settlement .............................................................................................. 28 
2.3.2   Regional and pr eferential agreements ....................................................................... 28 
2.3.2.1   Regional and bilateral agreements ......................................................................... 28 
2.3.2.1.1   South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) .................................................................. 28 
2.3.2.1.2   Pakist an-Sri La nka FTA ..................................................................................... 28 
2.3.2.1.3   Pakistan-China FTA ........................................................................................... 29 
2.3.2.1.4   Pakistan-Malaysia FTA ....................................................................................... 29 
2.3.2.1.5   Pakistan-Iran PTA ............................................................................................. 29 
2.3.2.1.6   Pakistan-Mauritius PTA ...................................................................................... 29 
2.3.2.1.7   Pakist an-Indones ia PTA ..................................................................................... 30 
2.3.3   Plurilateral and other arrangements .......................................................................... 30 
2.3.3.1   Organization of Islamic Confer ence (OIC) ............................................................... 30 
2.3.3.2   Developing-8 gr oup of countri es (D -8) ................................................................... 30 
2.3.3.3   Economic Cooper ation Organiza tion (ECO) .............................................................. 30 
2.3.3.4   Other prefer ential arra ngements ........................................................................... 31 
2.4   Investme nt Regime .................................................................................................. 31 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  3   TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE ........................................................ 33  
3.1   Introduction ............................................................................................................. 33 
3.2   Measures Direct ly Affectin g Imports ............................................................................ 33 
3.2.1   Procedures ........................................................................................................... 33 
3.2.2   Custom s valuation ................................................................................................. 34 
3.2.3   Rules of origin .......................................................................................................  35 
3.2.4   Tariffs ............................................................................................................... ... 35 
3.2.4.1   Policy and general features ................................................................................... 35 
3.2.4.2   MFN applied rates ............................................................................................... 36 
3.2.4.3   Tari ff bindings .................................................................................................... 38 
3.2.4.4   Preferential tariffs ............................................................................................... 38 
3.2.4.5   Tariff exemptions and concessions ......................................................................... 38 
3.2.5   Other duties and charges affecting imports ................................................................ 40 
3.2.6   Import prohibitions, quot as, restrictions, and licensing ................................................ 40 
3.2.6.1   Prohibitions ........................................................................................................  40 
3.2.6.2   Restrictio ns and li censing ..................................................................................... 41 
3.2.7   Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguards measures .............................................. 41 
3.2.7.1   An ti-dumpi ng ..................................................................................................... 41 
3.2.7.2   Coun tervaili ng .................................................................................................... 42 
3.2.7.3   Safeguards ........................................................................................................ 42 
3.2.8   Standards and othe r technical requirements .............................................................. 43 
3.2.8.1   Standards and quality cert ification ......................................................................... 43 
3.2.8.2   Sanitary and ph ytosanitary re quirements ............................................................... 44 
3.2.8.3   Marking, la belling and packaging ........................................................................... 46 
3.3   Measures Directly Affecting Exports ............................................................................. 47 
3.3.1   Registration, documentation, clea rance, inspection, an d minimum prices ....................... 47 
3.3.2   Export taxes,  charges and levies .............................................................................. 48 
3.3.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing ............................................................ 48 
3.3.3.1   Export prohibitions .............................................................................................. 49 
3.3.3.2   Export licens ing and rest rictions ............................................................................ 49 
3.3.4   Export subs idies and support ................................................................................... 50 
3.3.5   Export finance, insurance and guarantees ................................................................. 52 
3.3.6   Export-p rocessing zones ......................................................................................... 52 
3.3.7   Export promotion and marketing assistance ............................................................... 53 
3.4   Measures Affectin g Production and Trade ..................................................................... 53 
3.4.1   In centives ............................................................................................................  53 
3.4.2   Competition policy and price controls ........................................................................ 54 
3.4.3   Consumer po licy and protection ............................................................................... 56 
3.4.4   State-trading, state-owne d enterprises, an d privatization ............................................ 56 
3.4.4.1   State-trading ...................................................................................................... 56 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  3.4.4.2   State-owned ente rprises and pr ivatization .............................................................. 56 
3.4.5   Governme nt procurement ....................................................................................... 58 
3.4.6   Intellectual property rights ...................................................................................... 59 
3.4.6.1   Overview ........................................................................................................... 59 
3.4.6.2   Patents .............................................................................................................. 60 
3.4.6.3   Copyrights ......................................................................................................... 60 
3.4.6.4   Trademarks ........................................................................................................ 61 
3.4.6.5   Industrial design and layout-designs of integrated circuits ......................................... 61 
3.4.6.6   Plant breeders' rights ........................................................................................... 61 
3.4.6.7   Enforcement ....................................................................................................... 62 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR ..................................................................................... 63  
4.1   Introduction ............................................................................................................. 63 
4.2   Agriculture ............................................................................................................. . 63 
4.2.1   Main features and policy ob jectives .......................................................................... 63 
4.2.2   Policy measures ..................................................................................................... 64 
4.2.2.1   Tariffs and other charges on imports ...................................................................... 65 
4.2.2.2   Dome stic support ................................................................................................ 65 
4.2.2.3   Export measures ................................................................................................. 65 
4.2.3   Key sub-sectors ..................................................................................................... 66 
4.2.3.1   Crops ............................................................................................................... . 66 
4.2.3.1.1   Wheat ............................................................................................................ 66 
4.2.3.1.2   Rice .............................................................................................................. . 67 
4.2.3.1.3   Sugar cane ...................................................................................................... 67 
4.2.3.1.4   Cotton ............................................................................................................  67 
4.2.3.1.5   Tobacco .......................................................................................................... 68 
4.2.3.1.6   Oilseeds and edible oils ..................................................................................... 68 
4.2.3.1.7   Other .............................................................................................................  68 
4.2.3.2   Livestock an d dairy production .............................................................................. 68 
4.2.3.3   Fisheries ........................................................................................................... . 69 
4.2.3.4   Forestry ............................................................................................................. 70 
4.3   Mining, Energy and Water .......................................................................................... 70 
4.3.1   Mining and quarrying .............................................................................................. 70 
4.3.2   Energy ................................................................................................................ . 70 
4.3.2.1   Hy drocarbons ..................................................................................................... 71 
4.3.2.2   Petroleum .......................................................................................................... 71 
4.3.2.3   Na tural gas ........................................................................................................ 71 
4.3.2.4   Electricity ........................................................................................................... 72 
4.3.3   Water ................................................................................................................. . 73 
4.4   Manuf acturi ng .......................................................................................................... 73 
4.4.1   Main features and policy ob jectives .......................................................................... 73 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.4.2   Key sub-sectors ..................................................................................................... 74 
4.4.2.1   Food processing .................................................................................................. 74 
4.4.2.2   Textiles and clothing ............................................................................................ 75 
4.4.2.3   Automo tive sector ............................................................................................... 75 
4.4.2.4   Other ............................................................................................................... . 76 
4.5   Services ................................................................................................................ .. 77 
4.5.1   Main features and policy ob jectives .......................................................................... 77 
4.5.2   Financial services ................................................................................................... 78 
4.5.2.1   In troducti on ....................................................................................................... 78 
4.5.2.2   Banking .............................................................................................................  78 
4.5.2.3   Insura nce .......................................................................................................... 79 
4.5.2.4   Capital market .................................................................................................... 80 
4.5.3   Communica tion services ......................................................................................... 80 
4.5.3.1   Tele communica tions ............................................................................................ 80 
4.5.3.2   Broadcasting and audio-visual services ................................................................... 82 
4.5.3.3   Postal services .................................................................................................... 82 
4.5.4   Transp ort services ................................................................................................. 83 
4.5.4.1   Land transport .................................................................................................... 83 
4.5.4.1.1   In troducti on .................................................................................................... 83 
4.5.4.1.2   Road transport ................................................................................................. 83 
4.5.4.1.3   Rail way tran sport ............................................................................................. 83 
4.5.4.1.4   Pipelines .........................................................................................................  84 
4.5.4.2   Maritime and inland water transp ort ...................................................................... 84 
4.5.4.3   Air transport ....................................................................................................... 85 
4.5.5   Tourism ................................................................................................................ 86 
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 8 7 
5   APPENDIX  TABLES .................................................................................................... 90  
 
CHARTS 
 Chart 1.1 Product composition of merchandise trad e, 2007 an d 2013 ...................................... 19
 
Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2007 and 2013 ...................................................... 20 
Chart 1.3 FDI inflows by sector and origin, 2013-14 .............................................................. 21 
Chart 3.1 Distribution of MFN applie d tariff rates, 2007- 08 and 2 014-15  .................................. 37 
Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2007-08 and 
2014-1 5 ....................................................................................................................... .. 38 
Chart 4.1 Price of a standard car - world market, domestically manufactured, and imported ....... 76 
 
TABLES 
 Table 1.1 Selected macroeco nomic indicato rs, 2007- 14 ......................................................... 11
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  Table 1.2 Basic economic  indicators , 2007- 14 ...................................................................... 12 
Table 1.3 Balance of payments, 2007-14 ............................................................................. 17 
Table 2.1 Main ministries and agencies re sponsible for trade-re lated issu es, 2014 ..................... 24 
Table 2.2 Main trade-rela ted legislat ion, 2014 ...................................................................... 25 
Table 2.3 WTO notificati ons, July 2007-July  2014 ................................................................. 26 
Table 2.4 Main investment incentives, 2014 ......................................................................... 32 
Table 3.1 Preferential rules of origin in trade agreements, 2014 .............................................. 35 
Table 3.2 Collection of revenue , 2008-14  ............................................................................ 36 
Table 3.3 Pakistan's tariff structure, 2007- 08 and 2014 -15 .................................................... 36 
Table 3.4 Anti-dumping actions, June 2014 .......................................................................... 42 
Table 3.5 Institutions concerned with food safety  in Pakistan.................................................. 45 
Table 3.6 SPS related im port restri ctions ............................................................................. 46 
Table 3.7 Active export-related SROs .................................................................................. 48 
Table 3.8 Exports subject to certain co nditions ..................................................................... 49 
Table 3.9 Privatization programme  for early impl ementation .................................................. 57 
Table 3.10 Timeline of the privatization of PSEs .................................................................... 58 
Table 3.11 Overview of IPR legislation, 2014 ........................................................................ 59 
Table 3.12 Applications and registrations of  intellectual proper ty rights , 2012-13  ...................... 60 
Table 4.1 Procurement/support prices of agricultural commodities, 2009-15 ............................. 65 
Table 4.2 Area and production of important cr ops, 2009- 14 ................................................... 66 
Table 4.3 Livestock population , 2006-13  ............................................................................. 69 
Table 4.4 Electricity, in stalled capaci ty, 2007 -13 .................................................................. 72 
Table 4.5 Production in the automotive se ctor, 2007 -14 ........................................................ 75 
Table 4.6 Taxes for imported vehicles (Special Regime) ......................................................... 76 
Table 4.7 Trade in  services , 2007- 14 .................................................................................. 77 
Table 4.8 Key variables of Paki stan's banking system, 2008-14  .............................................. 79 
Table 4.9 Basic in dicators , 2007- 14 .................................................................................... 80 
Table 4.10 Air tra ffic data, 2006-14  .................................................................................... 85 
 
BOXES 
 
Box 3.1 Incentives, subs idies and fa cilities .......................................................................... 51 
 
APPENDIX TABLES 
 
Table A1. 1 Pakistan's merchandise exports by group of products, 2007-13 .............................. 90 
Table A1. 2 Pakistan's merchandise im ports by group of products, 2007-13.............................. 91 
Table A1. 3 Pakistan's merchandise exports by destin ation, 2007-13  ....................................... 92 
Table A1. 4 Pakistan's merchand ise imports by origin, 2007-13 .............................................. 93 
 
Table A3. 1 Pakistan's MFN a pplied tariff su mmary, 2014 -15 .................................................. 94 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table A3. 2 Prohibited  imports,  2012-15  ............................................................................. 96 
Table A3. 3 Restricted  imports,  2012-15  ............................................................................. 97 
Table A3. 4 Customs active/operative  notifications/SR Os export ........................................... 102  
Table A3. 5 Customs active/operative  notifications/SR Os import ........................................... 103  
Table A3. 6 List of items not importable in used/second-hand condition,  2012-15 .................... 111  
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  SUMMARY 
1. Pakistan's economy has exhibited resilience in  a difficult environment. Real GDP growth 
averaged nearly 3.2% annually during the period und er review, and is projected to be in excess of 
4% in 2014/15. Pakistan's economy was able to post growth despite adversities such as a tight 
security environment, the global economic crisis, and a host of natural disasters. However, serious 
challenges remain; these include power shortages, a weak fiscal position and lack of investment.  
2. Pakistan has been running persistent fiscal de ficits during the review period. The deficit 
exceeded 8% of GDP in both 2011/12 and 2012/13, but fell to 5.3% in 2013/14. During the period 
under review, total fiscal revenue as a proportion of GDP declined to under 13% in 2012/13, while tax revenue as a proportion of GDP declined to under 10%, which is among the lowest in the world. The decline in revenue can be attributed to a number of factors, most notably widespread 
tax evasion, a wide array of tax exemptions, and failure to widen the tax base. Furthermore, the 
prevalence of Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) , which are discretionary measures providing tax 
and tariff exemptions and relief to vested interests, are a significant drain on fiscal revenue.  
3. Expenditures have been in excess of 21% of GDP in both 2011/12 and 2012/13. 
Expenditures have grown on the back of increa sing debt service payments, which are due to 
perpetual fiscal deficits and their financing. A si gnificant amount of the expenditure covers losses 
of state-owned enterprises such as Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan Railways and Pakistan 
Steel Mills. The Government also provides a subs tantial subsidy to the power sector. Consequently, 
Pakistan is now in a position where revenues ca nnot meet even current expenditures and the 
Government has to borrow just to function. The authorities realize the precarious fiscal position 
and have initiated a programme of fiscal consolidation and the restructuring or privatization of 
state-owned enterprises.  
4. The objectives of monetary policy are to maintain monetary stability and promote economic 
growth. Recent monetary policy has been driven by efforts to keep the exchange rate stable and 
accumulation of foreign exchange reserves. The pu rsuit of these objectives is hampered by the 
lack of central bank autonomy, which in recent years has led to considerable borrowing by the 
Government to finance the fiscal deficit and borrowing by public sector enterprises. Inflation as 
measured by the consumer price index (CPI) peaked at 17% in 2008/09; it has since declined to 8.6% in 2013/14 due to a fall in world prices for primary commodities and a reduction in some domestic administered prices. 
5. Pakistan's current account deficit decreased from nearly US$14 billion in 2007/08 (8.2% of 
GDP) to around US$3 billion in 2013/14 (1.2% of  GDP). The improvement in the current account 
deficit can be attributed to a more than halving of the services deficit and a considerable increase 
in workers remittances. Furthermore, in 2013/14 the financial and capital account rebounded.  
6. Pakistan's exports continue to be heavily concen trated, with agriculture, textiles and clothing 
accounting for over three fourths of total exports in 2013. The largest single import category 
continues to be fuels. The share of manufactures in total imports has fallen. The decline can be 
attributed to a subdued investment environment. Pakistan's largest export markets continue to be the EU(28), followed by the United States and Ch ina; Pakistan's largest import supplier is the 
United Arab Emirates, followed by China and the EU(28). 
7. In April 2010, both houses of parliament passed the 18
th constitutional Amendment. The 
Amendment decentralizes political power and reduce s the powers of the President, while at the 
same time rebalancing power between the judiciary, government and the opposition. As a result, 
the responsibilities of 17 federal ministries have already been transferred to the provinces. 
8. Under Vision 2025, launched in 2014, the Government aims to make Pakistan an upper-
middle income country by 2025 and a top ten economy by 2047. In January 2013, the 
Government announced its three-year Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-15. Under the 
framework, the Government envisages increasing exports to US$95 billion during the three-year period. To achieve its target, the Government has identified seven areas of focus. These are: regional trade; strengthening of the institutional framework for promotion of exports; creation of 
regulatory efficiencies; export development initiatives; increasing exports from less-developed WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  regions of Pakistan; promotion of domestic commerce; and strengthening the monitoring and 
evaluation network.  
9. Pakistan provides at least MFN treatment to all except two WTO Members, India and Israel. 
Since 2012, imports from India are conducted on the basis of a negative list of about 
1,200 products that cannot be imported. This change from a previously existing and more 
restrictive positive list has resulted in a significant boost to bilateral trade. Trade with Israel is prohibited. There are a number of outstanding notifications in areas such as SPS, TBT and 
domestic support in agriculture. 
10. During the period under review, Pakistan has been a respondent in one dispute settlement 
case initiated by Indonesia, concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by Pakistan on certain paper products from Indonesi a. In 2014, Pakistan also notified the WTO of a 
request for consultations with the European Union regarding the imposition of countervailing 
measures by the EU on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from Pakistan. 
11. Pakistan considers the multilateral trading system  to be the cornerstone of its trade policy. 
It also believes that preferential trade agreemen ts (PTAs) are complementary to the multilateral 
trading system. Pakistan is a signatory to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement. It also has bilateral free-trade agreements with China, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.  
12. Under Pakistan's investment regime, 100% FDI is permitted in most industries. FDI is 
prohibited in arms and ammunitions; high explos ives; radioactive substances; security printing; 
currency and mint; and consumable alcohol. The share of foreign equity is limited in the airline, banking and print and electronic media sectors. Coupled with a strategic location, natural 
resources and a pool of skilled labour, the liberal FDI regime makes Pakistan an attractive 
investment destination. However, FDI has remained  tepid during the review period. This can be 
attributed to the precarious security situation, chronic power and gas shortages, and the high cost 
of doing business. 
13. The objectives of the Government's investment policy are to achieve a progressive increase 
in net FDI inflows to reach US$5.5 billion in 2018. The Foreign Direct Investment Strategy 
2013-17 stipulates improved facilitation procedur es and project-focused FDI promotion. The latter 
implies that the Government will concentrate on target sectors such as: infrastructure and communications; manufacturing; energy; mining and exploration; construction and real estate; automotive and the agricultural sector. Both the st rategy and the policy seek  to achieve their goals 
through Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which are the bedrock of the Government's current 
investment strategy. 
14. Since its last Review in 2008, Pakistan has taken some cautious steps of trade liberalization. 
Its average applied MFN tariff is 14.3% in 2014/15, slightly down from 14.8% in 2008. All but 
45 tariff lines are ad valorem . Since July 2014, Pakistan no longer has duty free tariff lines. The 
tariff displays a significantly positive escalation. Some 98% of tariff lines are bound; the average 
bound rate is 61.5%. R egulatory exemptions and concessions provided for various industries under 
SRO regimes remain an important source of deviation from MFN rates.  
15. Pakistan has bound other duties and charges at zero, but "regulatory import charges" of 5% 
apply on some 284 mostly agricultural products. Since Pakistan's last Review, the Government has 
been implementing a programme to modernize customs procedures. In addition to tariffs, imports 
are subject to sales tax. 
16. Despite cautious liberalization, overall tariff levels remain high, which weakens productivity 
growth and constitutes an impediment to efficient resource allocation and the integration of 
Pakistan into global value chains. In addition, the use of ad hoc  trade policy instruments under 
SROs remains common and severely undermines the predictability of the trade regime; it also 
supports a culture of rent-seeking. The elimination of tariff and tax-related SROs, planned for end-
2015, will significantly increase transparency of the trade regime.  
17. Since its last Review, Pakistan has initiated 58 anti-dumping investigations, which led to the 
imposition of 31 definitive measures. It has not taken any safeguard or countervailing measures. 
Import prohibitions and restrictions are maintained for health, safety, security, moral, and WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  environmental reasons. Pakistan's standards are mostly based on international standards. A 
National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority is currently being established. No SPS notifications have been submitted since January 2000. 
18. Production and exports are assisted by a wide range of general and sectoral programmes 
that offer tax exemptions or concessions, subsid ies, concessionary credit, duty drawbacks, and 
agricultural price and other domestic support. Exports are subject to an export development charge of 0.25%. In addition, numerous agricultur al goods are subject to "regulatory duties" of 
5% when exported. 
19. State intervention and ownership remain considerable. In October 2013, the Government 
published a new list of 32 companies to be privat ized. Although, the restructuring and subsequent 
privatization of some of these entities was initiated in the 1990s, there has been little progress 
over the last six years. In particular, privatization of the three most important loss-carrying 
companies has been repeatedly postponed. A National Procurement Strategy was launched in 2013 which aims to make public procurement processes more efficient and transparent. Competition 
policy has been considerably strengthened through the adoption of a Competition Act in 2010. 
Pakistan has also undertaken efforts to advanc e enforcement of intellectual property rights. 
20. The agriculture sector contributes about 21% to GDP and is central to employment and 
livelihoods. The Government's overall policy object ives for the agriculture sector are achieving food 
security and increasing the sector's growth rate. Pakistan's main cash crops are wheat, rice, maize, cotton, and sugar cane. However, over the last 20 years the crop subsector has been 
gradually declining while the share of livestock in agricultural value-added has significantly 
increased. Pakistan has traditionally been a net food importer, but for the first time in many years 
it incurred a trade surplus in food products in 2013. Rice is the single most important export 
product, while palm oil has been the main agricultural import.  
21. Pakistan's main agricultural policy measures include tariffs, input subsidies and support 
prices. Since the adoption of the 18
th constitutional Amendment, many responsibilities in 
agricultural policy-making have shifted to the Prov inces. Numerous agricultural and food products 
have been subject to ad hoc  measures under SROs; certain agricultural products have also been 
subject to export prohibitions. Support prices are maintained for wheat. Pakistan has submitted no notifications about domestic support to the WTO since 2008.  
22. Chronic electricity shortages and high electricity prices are a serious problem for Pakistan's 
economy. Power generation, transmission and dist ribution are generally inefficient. Electricity 
prices are usually insufficient to cover production costs; tariffs are designed in a manner that effectively subsidizes the middle class. The Government's policy in the power sector aims to 
increase energy supply, decrease reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production, and reduce price 
distortions and theft. 
23. Pakistan's manufacturing activities are dominated by food processing and textiles. Textile 
production is concentrated in the preliminary pr ocessing stages and dominated by cotton textiles, 
clothing, and synthetic fibres. Textiles and clothing make up more than 50% of Pakistan's merchandise exports. Under its new Textile Policy , the Government aims to further promote high 
value-added activities and improve productivity in  the subsector. Protection in manufacturing is 
particularly high in the automotive subsector, with tariffs of up to 100%. Coupled with limited local 
competition among just a few assemblers, this leads to prices for passenger cars in Pakistan that are significantly higher than in other countries. 
24. Services contribute about 58% to Pakistan's GDP. Pakistan is a participant in the 
negotiations on a trade in services agreement (TISA). It is a net importer of services, although the deficit has been declining over the past years. Strong state involvement persists in nearly all 
service subsectors. The financial services subsector has shown resilience in a challenging 
macroeconomic environment, and the stock market  has performed remarkably well. The telecom 
sector has grown strongly since 2008, mainly driv en by mobile subscriptions. Pakistan's port 
infrastructure has improved considerably since its last Review. The Government is trying to 
revitalize the largely dysfunctional railway system . Air fares are deregulated. Pakistan's tourism 
sector suffers from security concerns, but has considerable long-term potential. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
1.1  Recent Economic Developments 1.1.  Pakistan's economy has proved to be resili ent in a difficult environment. Real GDP growth 
averaged nearly 3.2% annually between 2007/08 an d 2013/14 (Table 1.1) an d is projected to be 
around 4% in 2014/15.
1 Pakistan's economy was able to grow despite facing adversities such as a 
tight security environment, the global economic  crisis, a massive earthquake in 2008, and annual 
floods since 2010.  
Table 1.1 Selected macroeconomic indicators, 2007-14  
  2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 
National account % change, unless otherwise indicated 
Real GDP  1.7 2.8 1.6 2.7 3.5 4.4 5.4 
Consumption 3.1 0.9 1.9 4.0 5.3 3.4 6.8 
Private 3.6 -0.5 2.2 4.6 5.0 2.5 5.9 
Government -0.9 12.7 -0.6 0.0 7.3 10.2 12.7 
Gross fixed capital formation 4.6 -5.0 -7.3 -7.7 2.4 0.2 0.5 
Exports of goods and non-
factor services -4.6 -3.4 15.7 2.4 -15.0 13.6 -1.4 
Imports of goods and non-
factor services 5.9 -15.9 4.3 -0.1 -3.1 1.6 3.7 
XGS/GDP (%) (current 
prices) 12.4 12.4 13.5 14.0 12.4 13.2 12.3 
MGS/GDP (%) (current 
prices) 23.2 19.7 19.4 19.0 20.4 19.9 18.8 
Unemployment rate (%) 5.2 5.5 5.6 6.0 6.0 6.2 .. 
Exchange rate  
Rupee/US$ (financial year - 
annual average) 62.55 78.50 83.80 85.50 89.24 96.73 102.86 
Real effective exchange rate 
(end period) -2.3 -4.7 -0.5 5.8 3.1 -1.3 .. 
Nominal effective exchange rate 
(end period) -8.8 -16.7 -8.4 -4.1 -4.3 -6.1 .. 
Prices and interest rates  
Inflation (CPI, % change) 12.0 17.0 10.1 13.7 11.0 7.4 8.6 
Lending rate (end period)a 12.5 14.3 13.6 13.5 12.8 11.7 .. 
Deposit rate (end period)b 4.1 4.4 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.4 .. 
Treasury bills (end period)c 11.8 12.0 12.3 13.7 11.9 8.9 .. 
 % of GDP, unless otherwise indicated 
Fiscal policy  
Government revenue and grants 14.9 14.7 14.3 12.6 13.1 13.0 14.9 
Tax revenue 10.6 10.5 10.1 9.5 10.3 9.7 10.4 
Custom duties 1.5 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 
Expenditure (incl. stat. discrep.) 22.2 19.9 20.2 19.5 21.5 21.0 20.2 
Current 18.1 16.4 16.7 16.5 17.8 16.3 17.1 
Interest 4.8 5.0 4.3 3.8 4.4 4.3 4.7 
Subsidies .. 1.9 1.5 2.7 2.8 1.3 1.9 
Grants .. 1.1 2.4 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.6 
Development (incl. net 
lending) 4.1 3.2 3.8 2.6 3.4 4.6 3.1 
Primary balance (incl. grants) -2.5 -0.4 -1.6 -3.1 -4.0 -3.7 -0.6 
Overall fiscal balance (incl. 
grants) -7.3 -5.2 -5.9 -6.9 -8.4 -8.0 -5.3 
Total public debt (including 
obligation to the IMF) 59.3 60.7 61.5 59.5 63.8 63.1 64.0 
Domestic debt 31.8 30.3 31.3 32.9 38.0 41.6 40.7 
                                               
1 IMF (2014a). According to the authorities, real GDP growth in 2014/15 is expected to be above 5%. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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    2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 
Savings and investment  
Gross national savings 13.1 12.0 13.6 14.2 12.9 14.0 .. 
Gross domestic savings 11.1 9.4 9.8 9.7 7.7 9.2 .. 
Gross fixed investment 19.7 15.9 14.2 12.5 13.3 12.9 .. 
Savings investment gap -6.6 -3.9 -0.6 1.7 -0.4 1.2 .. 
External sector  
Terms of trade (% change) -11.5 2.8 0.0 2.8 -5.9 -2.4 .. 
Goods exports (% change)d 18.2 -6.4 2.9 28.9 -2.5 0.3 1.5 
Goods imports (% change)d 31.2 -10.3 -1.7 14.9 12.5 -0.5 3.8 
Service exports (% change)d -13.3 14.4 27.4 10.3 -13.1 34.1 -21.8 
Service imports (% change)d 20.9 -25.5 -7.6 11.4 7.9 -0.4 -4.6 
Foreign exchange reserve  
(US$ million) 8,591 9,114 12,958 14,784 10,799 6,008 9,096 
Total external debt (US$ million, 
end period) 46,161 52,331 61,567 66,366 65,478 59,779 .. 
.. Not available. 
a Weighted average rates of return on advances. 
b Weighted average rates of return on deposits. c Six months treasury bill weighted average rate. d Growth rate based on trade figures in US$. 
Source: State Bank of Pakistan an d Pakistan Bureau of Statistics online information; and IMF. 
1.2.  Recent growth has been driven by construc tion and services (finance and insurance, public 
administration and defence). Electricity, gas an d water also posted robust growth between 2009 
and 2011. GDP per capita also registered modest growth (Table 1.2) to reach over US$1,300 in 
2013/14. Furthermore, the authorities stated that it  is estimated that over 40% of the economy is 
not documented, implying that GDP and GDP per capita are grossly underestimated. 
Table 1.2 Basic economic indicators, 2007-14  
  2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 
Real GDP, basic prices (PRs billion, 
2005/06) 8,759.8 9,007.8 9,152.6 9,404.1 9,733.9 10,163.0 10,713.1 
Real GDP, basic prices (US$ billion, 
2005/06) 140.1 114.8 109.2 110.0 109.1 105.1 104.2 
Current GDP (PRs billion) 10,637.8 13,199.7 14,867.0 18,276.4 20,046.5 22,489.1 25,401.9 
Current GDP (US$ billion) 170.1 168.2 177.4 213.8 224.6 232.5 247.0 
GDP per capita (US$) 1,022.0 989.4 1,022.5 1,207.0 1,243.1 1,261.2 1,313.5 
GDP by economic activities, real 2005/06 basic prices (annual % change) 
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 1.8 3.5 0.2 2.0 3.6 2.9 2.1 
Mining and quarrying 3.2 -2.5 2.8 -4.4 5.2 3.8 4.4 
Manufacturing 6.1 -4.2 1.4 2.5 2.1 4.5 5.5 
Electricity, gas and water 37.2 -12.1 16.7 63.9 1.4 -16.3 3.7 
Construction 15.4 -9.9 8.3 -8.6 3.1 -1.7 11.3 
Services 4.9 1.3 3.2 3.9 4.4 4.9 4.3 
Wholesale and retail trade 5.7 -3.0 1.8 2.1 1.7 3.4 5.2 
Transport, storage, and 
communication 5.5 5.0 3.0 2.4 4.6 2.9 3.0 
Finance and insurance 6.3 -9.6 -3.3 -4.2 1.6 9.0 5.2 
Ownership of dwellings 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 
Public administration and 
defence 0.2 5.6 8.0 14.1 11.1 11.3 2.2 
Community, social and personal 
services 5.4 6.5 5.8 6.6 6.4 5.2 5.8 
Share of main sectors in cu rrent GDP, basic prices (%)  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 23.1 23.9 24.3 26.0 24.5 25.1 25.1 
Mining and quarrying 3.1 3.3 3.3 2.8 3.3 3.2 3.2 
Manufacturing 15.2 13.4 13.6 14.3 14.5 14.0 14.1 
Electricity, gas and water 1.4 1.2 1.5 2.3 2.3 1.9 2.0 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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    2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 
Construction 2.6 2.3 2.1 1.8 2.0 1.9 2.1 
Services 54.6 55.9 55.1 52.7 53.4 53.8 53.6 
Wholesale and retail trade 21.3 19.8 19.8 20.2 20.7 20.2 20.2 
Transport, storage, and 
communication 10.3 13.5 12.9 10.9 9.8 10.6 10.0 
Finance and insurance 3.9 3.8 3.3 3.0 2.9 2.4 2.5 
Ownership of dwellings 6. 2 5.6 5.5 5.0 5.1 5.1 5.1 
Public administration and 
defence 5.1 5.2 5.5 5.7 6.4 6.9 6.9 
Community, social and personal 
services 7.9 7.9 8.1 7.8 8.4 8.6 8.8 
Share of sectors in total employment (%)  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 44.7 45.1 44.8 45.1 .. 43.7 .. 
Manufacturing 13.0 13.0 13.2 13.7 .. 14.1 .. 
Construction 6.3 6.6 6.7 7.0 .. 7.4 .. 
Services 35.3 31.6 31.6 31.0 .. 31.1 .. 
Wholesale and retail trade, 
repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal household goods .. 15.2 15.2 14.8 .. 14.4 .. 
Transport, storage, and 
communication 5.5 5.2 5.2 5.1 .. 5.5 .. 
Community, social and personal 
services 13.7 11.2 11.2 11.0 .. 11.3 .. 
.. Not available. 
Source: Pakistan Bureau of St atistics online information. 
1.3.  Trade continues to play an important role . Trade in goods and non-factor services as a 
proportion of GDP declined from over 35% in 2007/08 to approximately 31% in 2013/14. The 
decline can be explained to some extent by weak domestic demand and the composition of 
Pakistan's trade. Exports are heavily concentrated; textiles, clothing and agriculture account for over 70% of exports, while fuels account for over 35% of imports. Slight changes in global factors 
concerning these products would in all likelihood have serious repercussions on Pakistan's trade.  
1.4.  Pakistan has a population of around 186 mi llion, which is growing at 2% per annum. Nearly 
70% of the population is below the age of 30 ye ars. The size of the labour force was about 
60 million in 2012/13 and the unemployment rate was 6.2%. Pakistan also has one of the lowest 
female labour force participation rates in the region. Over 43% of the labour force is employed in 
the agricultural sector. Other important sources of employment are the manufacturing sector, wholesale and retail sector, and community/social and personal service sector. During the period 
under review, literacy rates improved from 56% in 2007/08 to 60% in 2012/13; however, these 
are still low in comparison to other countries in the region. The low literacy rates pose an impediment to poverty alleviation and sustained growth. Poverty gains of over the past decade have been impressive but may be difficult to sustain. Pakistan saw a decline in poverty trends, 
with the poverty rate falling from 34.5% in 2001/02 to an estimated 17.2% in 2007/08. Over the 
past few years there have been signs that povert y levels may have further decreased. Pakistan 
would need its young population to be productively employed, increase literacy rates and improve 
female labour force participation, if it is to achieve its poverty reduction and growth objectives.  
1.5.  Despite the above-mentioned improvement, serious challenges remain; these include 
inter alia : power shortages, a weak fiscal position and lack of investment (both foreign and 
domestic). 
1.6.  The authorities are cognizant of the above issues and have taken so me remedial measures. 
Furthermore, some structural changes have been incorporated as performance criteria under the IMF's current Extended Arrangement with Pakistan.
2 Initiatives undertaken include fiscal 
consolidation measures coupled with public sector  enterprises' (PSEs) reform, tariff reform and 
improving the business climate, and reform and re structuring of the energy and power sectors. 
                                               
2 IMF (2014a). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  1.7.  In August 2014, the Government launched the Pakistan Vision 2025 (Section 2.2.1). The goal 
of Vision 2025 is to make Pakistan an upper-middle income country by 2025 and a top ten economy by 2047. To achieve this goal it is impera tive that the structural reforms embarked on by 
the Government are successful. Significant fiscal space would need to be created to enable the 
Government to pursue development projects. Cr eating fiscal space requires expanding the tax 
base, restructuring PSEs and reducing subsidies. Private sector investment (both domestic and foreign) is also an important ingredient in realizing the above goals. To this end, attracting 
investment would involve creating an enabling envi ronment by reducing the cost of doing business 
in Pakistan, ensuring adequate power supply and improving the security situation. 
1.2  Monetary and Exchange Rate Policy 1.8.  Under the provisions of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Act, it is responsible for conducting 
monetary and exchange rate policies. The objectives of monetary policy are to maintain monetary 
stability thereby leading to stability in domestic prices, and promoting economic growth.
3 The SBP 
targets monetary aggregates (broad money supply as an intermediate target and reserve money 
as an operational target) to meet real GDP and inflation targets, which are set by the Government. 
According to the authorities, recent monetary po licy has been driven by efforts to keep the 
exchange rate stable and accumulation of foreign exchange reserves.  
1.9.  However, the pursuit of the above objectives is hampered by the lack of central bank 
autonomy, which in recent years has led to considerable borrowing by the Government to finance the fiscal deficit and borrowing by public sector enterprises.
4 There is currently a bill in parliament, 
which seeks to enhance central bank autonomy. However, it is not clear when the bill will be 
enacted. 
1.10.  With the backdrop of a relatively benign inflationary environment, and with the objective of 
spurring growth, the SBP pursued an accommodative monetary policy in 2012/13. Rising prices in 
2013/14 resulted in the SBP tightening monetary policy which may have a detrimental effect on 
real GDP growth. 
1.11.  Under the provisions of the Foreign Exchan ge Act 1947 and the State Bank of Pakistan Act, 
1956, the SBP is responsible for the maintenance of external value of the currency. In this regard, 
the SBP is required to inter alia : regulate foreign exchange reserves of the country; purchase and 
sell gold, silver or approved foreign exchange and transactions of Special Drawing Rights with the International Monetary Fund; and to prevent wide exchange rate fluctuations in order to maintain 
competitiveness of the country's exports and main tain stability in the foreign exchange market. 
Currently Pakistan has a floating exchange rate.  
1.12.  In this respect, the challenge that the SBP faces is rebuilding foreign exchange reserves. 
Favorable foreign exchange market conditions have allowed the SBP to continue buying in the spot 
foreign exchange market, while at the same time  sterilizing foreign exchange inflows. These 
measures have led to a slight bolstering of reserves. 
1.13.  Continual current account deficits, SBP purchases of foreign exchange in the spot market 
and sterilization of foreign exchange inflows have resulted in the rupee depreciating against the US$ during the review period (Table 1.1). 
1.14.  Inflation as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) peaked at 17% in 2008/09; it has 
since declined to 8.6% in 2013/14. CPI declined due to a fall in world prices for primary 
commodities, a reduction in administered prices fo r gas and a relatively lower depreciation of the 
rupee, which stabilized prices of imported products. 
                                               
3 Monetary stability is defined as pric e stability and confidence in currency. 
4 The Secretary of the Ministry of Finance is an ex-o fficio member of the Board of Governors of the State 
Bank of Pakistan. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  1.3  Fiscal Policy and Public Debt 
1.15.  Pakistan has been running persistent fiscal deficits during the review period. The deficit 
exceeded 8% of GDP in both 2011/12 and 2012/13 but was expected to fall to below 6% of GDP in 2013/14.  
1.16.  During the period under review, total fisca l revenue as a proportion of GDP declined to 
under 13% in 2012/13, while tax revenue as a proportion of GDP declined to under 10%, which is among the lowest in the world. The decline in revenue can be attributed to a number of factors. 
There continues to be widespread tax evasion and the tax base remains narrow; for example the 
agricultural sector is exempt from income tax. Th e existing tax structure also contains a wide array 
of tax exemptions. Furthermore, within the tax base the share of direct taxes has continued to fall, while indirect taxes have risen modestly. The Government introduced several tax relief measures 
such as reducing the rate of General Sales Tax (GST) by 1%, reducing or eliminating withholding 
tax on certain categories and providing import tax relief through Special Regulatory Order (SRO) (Chapters 2 and 3).
5 Furthermore, revenues have also been hurt by lower than expected 
payments. For example, the Government's realization from the sale of 3G telecommunications 
licences was lower than expected. The above fact ors, coupled with weak domestic demand, have 
resulted in further depressing revenues. 
1.17.  On the other hand, expenditures have been in excess of 21% of GDP in both 2011/12 and 
2012/13. Expenditures have grown on the back of increasing debt service payments, which have come about due to perpetual fiscal deficits and their financing. A large but one-off payment in lieu of settling the power sector circular debt also bloated the expenditure account in 2012/13. 
Additionally, a significant amount of the expenditures goes as subsidies to loss-making PSEs, such 
as Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan Railways and Pakistan Steel Mills. The Government also provides a substantial subsidy to the power sector in the form of inter-distribution company tariff 
differential. 
1.18.  Consequently Pakistan is now in a position, where revenues cannot meet even current 
expenditures and the Government has to borrow ju st to function. As a result, total government 
debt as a proportion of GDP has continued to rise and stood at over 63% in 2012/13.  
1.19.  As already mentioned, to be able to sustain growth and meet its long-term growth 
objectives, the fiscal situation needs to be resolved. Tinkering with tax rates is not the answer. Rather a considerable expansion of the tax base is needed but it appears that there is the lack of 
political will to do this.
6 According to the authorities, the lack of enforcement also poses a 
significant impediment to raising revenues.  
1.20.  The authorities realize the precarious fiscal position and have initiated a programme of fiscal 
consolidation and the restructuring/privatization of PSEs (Section 1.4.1). 
1.4  Other Issues  1.4.1  Fiscal consolidation and public sector enterprises 
1.21.  The authorities are targeting a fiscal defici t of 3.5% of GDP by 2016/17. In this regard, the 
Government plans to eliminate most SROs; these include income tax SROs that grant concessions on government subsidies, services, construction contracts outside Pakistan, large trading houses, advertising agencies and foreign news agencies. Certain sales tax SROs, which grant concessions 
on imported plant and machinery as well as reducing concessions granted to certain sectors are 
also to be eliminated. In addition, customs SROs are also to be withdrawn, implying that 30 industries and 133 HS codes would be charged the normal tariff and, tariff concessions for 
138 industries would also be withdrawn. The cumu lative impact of eliminating the above SROs 
would be 1% of GDP by 2016/17. Furthermor e, by 2015 the remaining SROs would be 
incorporated into the tax law, while the authority to issue new SROs, which grant concessions or 
exemptions, would also be eliminated. 
                                               
5 SROs are statutory instruments/directives issued by  ministries and department s on an ad-hoc basis, 
they provide a mechanism whereby laws and regulations including tariffs and taxes can be altered without 
recourse to the parliament. 
6 IMF (2014b). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 16 - 
 
  1.22.  The authorities envisage introducing a new tax on capital gains. They also plan higher 
income tax income through inter alia : higher taxes on interest and dividends, increasing 
withholding tax on motor vehicles and on services for non-filers, reducing exemptions for mutual funds and increasing the tax rate for banks. 
1.23.  Other planned revenue-enhancing measures include: increasing the sales tax on steel 
smelters, ship breakers and beverages; increased excise tax on cigarettes, sugar, cement and air 
travel; increasing import duty on certain items to  1% or 5%; and increasing the Gas Infrastructure 
Development Cess by 0.2% of GDP. 
1.24.  Measures to increase the tax base include expanding income tax compliance. In this regard 
the authorities have already issued more than 80, 000 income tax notices to individuals with large 
apparent assets or income who have not filed tax returns. As a result 8,000 additional people have 
filed tax returns. The authorities are also incorporating data from urban property transactions and 
vehicle purchases into the database of potential taxpayers. 
1.25.  Compliance issues pertaining to other taxes are also to be addressed through various 
control measures. This includes electronic volume-tracking of production, undertaking field 
surveys, and the implementation of an electronic risk-based evaluation of sales taxes to high risk 
discrepancies. 
1.26.  A tax amnesty scheme was also announced in November 2013. However, only 
4,500 taxpayers took advantage of the scheme and collections have been less than PRs 150 million. However, the component of th e scheme designed to promote investment by 
granting immunity from investigation regarding the source of funds to finance certain investments 
remains in place.  
1.27.  On the expenditure side, electricity subsidies are to be eliminated, and government 
ministries' non-wage expenditures are also to be cut by 30%.  
1.28.  PSEs remain a large drain on the exchequer. To address this issue the Government has 
identified 32 entities for divestment/privatization  and is aiming to offer one transaction each 
quarter over the next year. The authorities are also in the process of developing medium-term 
action plans to restructure loss-carrying Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan Steel Mills, and 
Pakistan Railways.  However, the restructuring and subsequent privatization of these entities was 
initiated in the 1990s and has hardly progressed since. 
1.29.  The above measures tend to tinker with tax rates and remove exemptions. However, they 
do not go far enough to expand the tax base mean ingfully; for example there is no initiative for 
taxing agricultural incomes (the sector is responsible for over 20% of Pakistan's GDP).  
1.4.2  Energy sector 
1.30.  With a view to improving monitoring and enforcement in the electricity sector, 
the Government has signed performance contracts with the distribution companies as well as power purchase agreements with the generating companies. The penal code has also been altered 
to improve enforcement with regard to non-payment of dues and theft. 
1.5  Balance of Payments 1.31.  During the period under review, Pakistan's current account deficit decreased from nearly 
US$14 billion in 2007/08 (8.2% of GDP) to around US$3 billion in 2013/14 (1.2% of GDP) 
(Table 1.3). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table 1.3 Balance of payments, 2007-14  
(US$ million) 
  2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14
Current account -13,874  -9,261 -3,946 214 -4,658  -2,496  -2,925 
Goods and services 
balance -21,427  -16,007 -13,226 -12,456 -18,958  -16,919  -19,158 
Goods balance -14,970  -12,626 -11,536 -10,516 -15,653  -15,355  -16,516 
Exports 20,427  19,121 19,673 25,356 24,718  24,802  25,169 
Imports 35,397  31,747 31,209 35,872 40,371  40,157  41,685 
Services balance -6,457  -3,381 -1,690 -1,940 -3,305  -1,564  -2,642 
Receipts 3,589  4,106 5,229 5,768 5,013  6,724  5,261 
Payments 10,046  7,487 6,919 7,708 8,318  8,288  7,903 
Income -3,923  -4,407 -3,282 -3,017 -3,245  -3,669  -3,921 
Credit 1,613  874 561 716 826  488  501 
Debit 5,536  5,281 3,843 3,733 4,071  4,157  4,422 
Current transfers 11,476  11,154 12,562 15,687 17,544  18,092  20,154 
Credit 11,618  11,256 12,672 15,863 17,686  18,183  20,294 
Worker remittances 6,449  7,811 8,905 11,201 13,186  13,922  15,832 
Debit 142  102 110 176 142  91  140 
Capital account 121  455 175 161 183  264  1,833 
Financial account 8,131  5,632 5,097 2,103 1,275  549  5,235 
Foreign direct 
investment 5,335  3,695 2,075 1,592 744  1,258  1,483 
Abroad -75  -25 -76 -44 -77  -198  -148 
In Pakistan 5,410  3,720 2,151 1,636 821  1,456  1,631 
Portfolio investment 32  -1,073 -65 339 -149  26  2,768 
Other investment 2,764  3,010 3,087 172 680  -735  984 
Assets 32  560 -11 -920 9  -314  300 
Liabilities 2,732  2,450 3,098 1,092 671  -421  684 
Net errors and omissions 257  118 -60 14 -81  -309  -300 
Overall balance -5,365  -3,056 1,266 2,492 -3,281  -1,992  3,843 
Reserve assets 5,538  -635 -4,063 -2,225 4,430  4,530  -3,271 
Use of fund credit and 
loans -173  3,691 2,174 -267 -1,155  -2,538  -572 
Source: State Bank of Pakistan Annual Report (vario us issues) and Statistical Bulletin (2014), August. 
1.32.  The improvement in the current account deficit can be attributed to a more than halving of 
the services deficit and a very considerable increase in workers remittances. Within services the 
improvement was due to coalition support fund payments, which are essentially reimbursements for services provided to NATO countries in Afghanistan by Pakistani armed forces and to a lesser 
extent lower overall service imports. Workers remi ttances rose starkly, mainly due to increased 
inflows from certain Gulf countries, the United States and the United Kingdom. Conversely, the 
deficit in the goods balance increased during the review period. 
1.33.  The capital and financial account has traditionally financed the current account deficit. 
However, for most of the period under review capital and financial inflows remained subdued. FDI had decreased considerably due to the security and power situation, while loans from IFIs and loans and grants from friendly countries were not forthcoming. Furthermore, Pakistan continued to 
make repayments on account of both amortization and interest on loans that it had secured in the 
past. As such Pakistan had to draw down its foreign exchange reserves to finance the current account deficit. Consequently foreign exchange reserves declined to US$6 billion at the end of 
2012/13, which provided 1.4 months of import cover.  
1.34.  However, in 2013/14 the financial and capital account rebounded thanks to US$1.5 billion in 
grants from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, US$1.6 billion in loan disbursements from the 
World Bank and the ADB, and a US$2 billion Eurobond placement. As a result the overall balance WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  of payments has improved from a deficit of US$5.4 billion in 2007/08, to a surplus of nearly 
US$4 billion in 2013/14.  
1.6  Developments in Trade 1.35.  During the period under review, the ratio of total merchandise trade and non-factor services 
to GDP declined from over 35% in 2007/08 to around 31% in 2013/14. The share of exports 
remained almost static during this period whereas, in contrast, the share of imports fell. The decline in imports was mainly in capital goods, which reflects the weak investment climate in the 
country.  
1.6.1  Composition of merchandise trade 1.36.  Pakistan's exports continue to be heavily concentrated, with agriculture, textiles and 
clothing accounting for over three-fourths of total exports in 2013 (Chart 1.1 and Table A1.1). The 
combined share of these product groups was approximately the same in 2007. However, within 
these product groups there have been changes; for example the share of agriculture has risen 
mainly due to an increase in crops. In contrast the share of fuels has declined considerably during 
the review period. On the other hand, the share of manufactures (including textiles and clothing) 
has declined during the review period. However, within manufactures, the shares of chemicals, 
semi-manufactures including cement and jewellery, have risen. 
1.37.   As in most countries, the structure of Pakistan's imports is less concentrated than exports. 
The largest single import category continues to be fuels, and its share has increased during the review period (Chart 1.1 and Table A1.2), which in  turn has led to an increase in the share of 
primary products in the total import bill. Consequently, the share of manufactures in total imports 
has fallen. Within manufactures, the decline is main ly due to a fall in the share of machinery and 
transport equipment and, to a lesser extent, chemical s. In both cases the decline can be attributed 
to a subdued investment environment as the goods are mainly capital goods or industrial raw 
materials. 
1.6.2  Direction of merchandise trade 1.38.  Pakistan's largest export markets continue to be the EU(28), followed by the United States 
and China (Chart 1.2 and Table A1.3). The shares of both the EU(28) and the United States have 
declined during the period under review as have those of the Middle East. On the other hand, the share of Asia, particularly China and Afghanistan,  has risen significantly since 2007. The increase 
in the share of exports to China can be explained partly by the signing of the PTA between the two 
countries.  
1.39.  In 2013, Pakistan's largest import supplier was the United Arab Emirates followed by China 
and the EU(28) (Chart 1.2 and Table A1.4). The sh ares of the United Arab Emirates, China and the 
State of Kuwait have risen considerably since 2007, while the shares of EU(28), the United States 
and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have posted a de cline since then. Furthermore, the share of the 
Middle East as a whole posted a sharp increase. The share of Asia also recorded an increase during 
the review period, albeit not as pronounced as that of the Middle East.  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Chart 1.1 Product composition of merchandise trade, 2007 and 2013 
2007 2013
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
Other semi-
manufactures
5.2%Manufactures
80.1%
Total:   US$17.8 billio n Total:  US $25.1 b illion
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
Chemicals
15.4%Transport equipment
8.4%
Manufactures
54.8%Electrical 
machines  8.3%
Non-electrical 
machinery  
10.3%
Iron & steel
3.4%Electrical machines
5.6%Machinery & 
transport equip. 
1.5%
Other semi-manuf.  
3.3%
Chemicals
14.6%Manufactures
46.9%
Total:   US$32.6 billio n Total:  US $43.8 b illionMining
4.2%
Textiles
37.2%Textiles
41.3%
Other consumer 
goods  7.1%Other
2.0%Machinery & 
transport equipment
4.5%Clothing
21.3%
Manufactures
73.6%
Other semi-
manufactures
6.4%Clothing
18.1%Mining
6.7%
Other consumer 
goods  4.8%Other consumer 
goods  6.0%
Other mining
3.7%Other semi-manuf.
3.8%Other 
0.2%
Agriculture
14.5%Agriculture
13.9%Transport equipment
5.9%Chemicals
2.6%
Chemicals
4.4%Rice, milled, 
semi-milled
6.4%
Other agriculture  
14.0%Other consumer 
goods   5.2%
Fuels
34.8%Fuels
25.6%Other 
0.9%
Iron & steel
3.6%Non-electrical 
machinery  7.0%Rice, milled, 
semi-milled  
8.1% Other agriculture  
6.6%
Other mining
2.9%
 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 20 - 
 
  Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2007 and 2013 
2007 2013
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
Total:   US$17.8 billion Total:  US$25.1 billion
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
EU28
14.7%
China
12.8%United States
8.0%Other
6.7% EU28
10.1%Other
4.1%
United Arab 
Emirates  8.5%United 
States
3.8%
Total:   US$32.6 billion Total:   US$43.8 billionAfrica
5.5%
India  4.3%
Other Middle East
3.6% Other Middle East
3.4%United States
21.6%United States
14.9%
Afghanistan
8.0%
Saudi Arabia
8.8%Kuwait
5.7%Other Asia
9.8%
EU28
25.0%
United Arab Emirates
11.9%Other
6.5%
Saudi Arabia
12.3%Other Asia
9.0%China
10.6%EU28
26.9%Afghanistan
4.7%
Hong Kong, 
China  3.4%Bangladesh
2.9%
China
3.4%
Other Middle East
5.1%
Japan
4.5%Other Asia
12.6%
Japan
5.1%Other Asia   
9.6%Other Middle East
5.5%Other
7.3%
Malaysia
4.4%Africa
3.2%Africa
2.7%
Malaysia
3.6%Africa
7.5%
United Arab
Emirates  
17.7%
China
15.1%United Arab
Emirates  7.1%
Kuwait
9.0%India  3.9%Indonesia  2.7%Indonesia  2.8%
 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. 
1.7  Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 
1.40.  Pakistan has one of the most liberal foreign investment regimes in South Asia. Coupled with 
a strategic location, natural resources and a large skilled work force, this makes it an attractive 
investment destination. However, despite the positive features, FDI has remained tepid during the review period. This can be attributed to a number of factors, most notably a precarious security 
situation. Chronic power and gas shortages and the high cost of doing business have also 
discouraged investors in recent years. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 21 - 
 
  1.41.  FDI declined from over US$5 billion in 2007/08 to under US$1 billion in 2011/12, before 
recovering to US$1.6 billion in 2013/14 (Chart 1.3).  
Chart 1.3 FDI inflows by sector and origin, 2013-14 
Communications
35.8%Oil & gas exploration
28.5%Origin Sector
Financial business 
9.6%
Chemicals
5.4%Other 
16.3%
Power
2.9Switzerland
13.9%Other 
9.5%United States
12.7%
United Kingdom
7.1%
Hong Kong, China
13.9%China
42.9%
Total:  US$1,631.3 millionConstruction
1.5%
 
Source: Board of Investment, Government  of Pakistan online information. 
1.42.  During the period under review, the financial sector has been the largest recipient of foreign 
investment followed by the telecommunications and the oil and gas sector. In 2013/14, nearly 
US$600 million were invested in the telecommunications sector due to the sale of 3G mobile licences.  
1.43.  Since 2007/08, the largest investors in Paki stan have been the United States, the United 
Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Howeve r, in 2013/14, China; Hong Kong, China; and 
Switzerland made considerable investments, mainly in the energy sector. As of 2013, the stock of FDI in Pakistan stood at US$28 billion.
7 Outward FDI, requires approv al from the State Bank of 
Pakistan.  
                                               
7 UNCTAD (2014). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 22 - 
 
  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME 
2.1  General Framework 2.1.  During the period under review, the political landscape in Pakistan has undergone a 
considerable change. In 2013, for the first time in the country's history, a democratically-elected 
government completed its five-year term. In April 2010, both houses of parliament passed the 
18
th constitutional Amendment. The Amendment de centralizes political power and reduces the 
powers of the President greatly, while at the same time rebalancing power between the judiciary, 
government and the opposition. 
2.2.  The Amendment takes away the powers of th e President: to dismiss elected governments at 
both the national and provincial level; to appoint the head of the army; the ability to vet judges and to appoint the chief election commissioner; an d to declare provisional states of emergency. 
The amendment prohibits the use of  a secret ballot to elect the Pr ime Minister and the provincial 
chief ministers. These changes have modified the ro le of the President from being the main source 
of executive power to that of a titular head of state. Furthermore, under the 18
th Amendment, a 
judicial commission would have responsibility for judicial appointments. The Amendment also 
empowers the provinces by transferring federal level resources and responsibilities to the provincial governments. According to the authorities, the objective of decentralization is to bring 
services closer to the people, to promote more equitable governance, and remove the concerns 
about lack of accountability. In this regard, the re sponsibilities of 17 federal ministries targeted for 
devolution have already been transferred to the provinces. These include inter alia : food and 
agriculture, health, and tourism. The Prime Mini ster continues to be elected by the National 
Assembly of Pakistan, which comprises members elected through universal suffrage. Usually the 
leader of the most popular political party beco mes the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is 
responsible for appointing a cabinet as well as running government operations, taking and 
authorizing executive decisions, appointments  and recommendations that require executive 
confirmation of the Prime Minister. 
2.3.  The federal government continues to be responsible for international and inter-provincial 
trade and taxation (except agricultural income tax). Discriminatory taxes and other restrictions can 
be introduced by parliament so as to ensure adequate supply across the country at reasonable prices. Furthermore, the federal government has the right to restrict inter-provincial movement of goods under certain conditions.  
2.4.  Corruption remains a serious problem. However, anti-corruption efforts launched by the 
National Accountability Bureau in the form of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy seemed to have borne fruit. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, 
Pakistan's ranking rose from 138 out of 179 countries in 2007 to 126 out of 175 countries in 2014. 
2.2  Trade Policy Formulation and Implementation 2.2.1  Objectives and strategy 
2.5.  In August 2014, the Government launched th e Pakistan Vision 2025. The goal of Vision 2025 
is to make Pakistan an upper-middle income country by 2025 and a top ten economy by 2047. To achieve the above, the Government has identified five "enablers" and seven pillars of development. The "enablers" are political stability and policy continuity; rule of law; shared vision; 
peace and security; and social justice. These woul d need to be in place to create an enabling 
environment for growth. 
2.6.  The pillars of growth address: developing human capital; achieving sustained, indigenous and 
inclusive growth through inter alia  exports; good governance; energy, water and food security; 
private sector and entrepreneur-led growth; developing a knowledge economy through value addition; and modernizing transportation infrastructure and greater regional connectivity. The last 
two pillars have a strong export bias, whereby Pakistan needs to become competitive in the global 
economy and export high value added products regionally and outside the region. As a result, exports are targeted to reach US$150 billion by 2025.  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 23 - 
 
  2.7.  The objective of Pakistan's trade policy is "contributing to the national economy through 
trade liberalization and facilitation, improving ex port competiveness and reducing cost of doing 
business. Aim to achieve higher market access for Pakistani products in existing markets as well as new markets with ultimate aim of improving qu ality of life of the people of Pakistan."
1 
The Government pursues these objectives through unilateral measures as well as multilateral and 
regional and bilateral agreements.  
2.8.  In January 2013, the Government announced its three-year Strategic Trade Policy 
Framework (STPF) 2012-15. Under the framework, the Government envisages exports of 
US$95 billion during the three-year period, compared with exports of US$67 billion during 2009-12. To achieve its target, the Government has identified seven areas of focus. These are: regional trade; strengthening the institutional framework for promotion of exports; creation of 
regulatory efficiencies; export development initiatives; increasing exports from less-developed 
regions of Pakistan; promotion of domestic commerce; and strengthening the monitoring and evaluation network. Initiatives underway include the creation of a domestic commerce wing and a 
trade in services wing, both in the Ministry of Commerce. Furthermore, the authorities also stated 
that the establishment of an EXIM Bank was underway and the Leather Export Promotion Council had already been formed. 
2.9.  Initiatives under the STPF 2012-15 also include setting up of a Services Trade Development 
Council so as to boost services exports. With a view to having a more efficient, time-saving, and relatively inexpensive mechanism for resolving trade disputes, the Government has decided to strengthen the National Tariff Commission, set up a Trade Dispute Arbitration Council and also 
revamp the existing commercial courts. In this  regard a new NTC Act and Ordinance has been 
drafted and these are expected to come in force in early 2015 (Section 3). Additionally, the Trade 
Dispute Resolution Organization (TDRO) has also been created. The TDRO functions as a trade 
resolution body between Pakistani businessmen an d their counterparts, however the decisions of 
the body are not binding. 
2.10.  Trade policy formulation and implementation in Pakistan is a coordinated process. 
The Ministry of Commerce is responsible for multilateral, bilateral, and regional trade 
arrangements. It also has primary responsibility for trade policy formulation and implementation along with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which administers Customs and collects domestic federal taxes on imports. The Ministry's WTO wing deals with multilateral issues, including 
agreements and negotiations. The WTO Council, chaired by the Minister of Commerce, comprises 
many ministers, departmental secretaries, and the central bank governor. The Council examines 
matters relating to WTO Agreements, develops strategies for protecting Pakistan's interests while 
meeting its multilateral obligations, and ensures inter-ministerial and inter-provincial coordination. 
Standing parliamentary committees in the Senate and the National Assembly also meet as required to supervise the Ministry of Commerc e in formulating and implementing WTO-related 
policies. The Government also receives formal and informal advice from the private sector such as 
the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), which is the apex body of trade and industrial chambers and associations representing specific products or industries. 
2.11.  Final decision-making power lies with the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet 
(ECC), a Federal Cabinet Standing Committee, it reviews import policies and their impact on 
production and investment, and evaluates promotional and other export policies. It meets regularly to approve economic and trade policy recommendations. General trade policies and 
initiatives are also approved annually by the Fede ral Cabinet. The Prime Minister is the Chairman 
of the ECC, which also comprises the Ministers for Commerce, Communications, Finance and Revenue, Economic Affairs and Statistics, Nation al Food Security and Research, Industries, 
Production and Special Initiatives, Information Technology & Telecommunications, Petroleum and 
Natural Resources, Ports & Shipping, Privatization & Investment, Railways, Science & Technology, Textile Industries and Water & Power. In additi on to the above, the Committee also invites the 
Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, 
the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Comm ission of Pakistan, the Chief Executive of the 
Trade Development Authority, and officers from the concerned ministries and departments as and when the need arises (Table 2.1). 
                                               
1 Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce  online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.commerce. gov.pk/?page_id=2690 . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table 2.1 Main ministries and agencies re sponsible for trade-related issues, 2014  
Government ministry/agency  Key areas of responsibility  
Ministry of National Food Security and Research Agri cultural policy, fisheries, forestry, SPS, quarantine 
Animal Quarantine Department  SPS, quarantine 
Department of Plant protection  Forestry, SPS, quarantine 
Marine fisheries Department Fisheries 
NAPHIS SPS, TBT 
Trading Corporation of Pakistan State trading, support prices, buffer stocks 
PASSCO Support prices, buffer stocks 
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Statistics External economic assistance, statistics 
Ministry of Finance and Revenue Finance, revenue (including tariffs and taxes), budgets 
Federal Board of Revenue Tariffs, taxes, investment incentives 
Ministry of Information Technology Telecommunications and information technology 
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Telecommunications regulation 
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Broadcasting, television regulation 
Ministry of Communications Road transport 
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Petroleum and gas 
Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Oil and gas regulation 
Ministry of Ports and Shipping Ports and shipping 
Ministry of Privatization  Privatization 
Privatization Commission Privatization 
Ministry of Railways Rail transport 
Ministry of Textile Industry Textile and jute 
Ministry of Water and Power Water and electricity 
National Electric Power Regulato ry Authority Power regulation 
Ministry of Tourism Tourism 
Ministry of Commerce Import and export policies, tariffs, WTO coordination, 
bilateral and other regional agreements  
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Export promotion 
National Tariff Commission Tariffs, contingency protection 
Ministry of Industri es and Production  Industrial policy, export processing zones 
Ministry of Science and Technology National Sc ience and Technology Policy including scientific 
standards 
Ministry of Planning Development and Reforms  Planning and development, Vision 2025, Poverty 
Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP)  
Civil Aviation Authority Air transport 
Competition Commission of Pakistan  Competition policy 
Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Government procurement implementation 
Pakistan Standards and Quality Control 
Authority Standards 
Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan Intellectual property protection 
Board of Investment Investment, including foreign, promotion and facilitation, 
investment incentives, special economic zones 
Pakistan National Accreditation Council  Accreditation of scientific labs 
Ministry of Postal Services Postal services 
Source: Pakistani authorities. 
2.2.2  Main trade laws and regulations 
2.12.  Laws, regulations, ordinances and most admi nistrative guidelines or rules are published in 
Urdu and English in the Government Gazette. Trade-related measures are contained in laws, ordinances, and regulations, including statutory regulatory orders (SROs). SROs are statutory 
instruments/directives issued by ministries and departments on an ad-hoc basis, they provide a 
mechanism whereby laws and regulations, including tariffs and taxes, can be altered without recourse to the parliament.
2 SROs have been used to provide tax and duty preferences to many 
industries and goods. According to an estimate , the issuance of 4,500 SROs has resulted in 
                                               
2 SROs are to be incorporated into regular laws and gradually phased out (Section 1). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 25 - 
 
  forgone tax revenue of PRs 650 billion.3 In place of the annual trade policy, the Ministry of 
Commerce now releases Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF). The first STPF was issued in 2009 for the period 2009-12. In January 2013, the Government released the second STPF for 2012-15. The reasoning provided for a three-year po licy document is policy continuity. The STPF is 
issued after cabinet approval. Customs legislation continues to be amended annually and is 
released as part of the budget documents (Finance Act), which need to be passed by Parliament before coming into force. Furthermore, all legislative changes, including those pertaining to trade 
and taxation, need to be incorporated in the Finance Act. Certain changes have been made to the 
trade-related legislation since the last Review in 2008 (Table 2.2).  
Table 2.2 Main trade-related legislation, 2014 
Area Legislation 
Customs Amendments to Customs Act, 1969 
Import and export regulations Import Policy Order, 2012; Export Policy Order, 2012; Presidential 
Ordinance on Trade Development Authority, 2006 
Standards (imports and exports) Import Policy Order, 2012; Export Policy Order, 2012; Cotton 
Standardization Ordinance, 2002 
Government procurement Public Procurement Regulation, 2011 
Competition policy Competition Act, 2010 
Sanitary, phytosanitary and 
quarantine measures Import Policy Order, 2012; Export Policy Order, 2012; Animal Quarantine 
(Import and Export of Animal and Animal Products) Ordinance, 1979; 
Amendment Ordinance, 2002 
Marketing and labelling Import Policy Order, 2012 ; Export Policy Order, 2012; Drugs (Labelling 
and Packaging) Rules, 1986 
Contingency measures Safeguard Measures Ordinance, 2002 
Domestic taxes Federal Excise Act, 2005 
Tariffs Finance Act, 2014 
Oil and gas Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002 
Electricity NEPRA Eligibility Criteria for Consumers of Distribution Companies, 
July 2003; Interim Power Procurement (Procedures and Standards) 
Regulations, 2005 
Financial services, including 
insurance Securities Act, 2005; Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962 
Telecommunications Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996; Pakistan 
Telecommunication Authority (Functions and Powers) Regulations, 2004 
Broadcasting and audiovisual Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002 
Source:  WTO Secretariat and Pakistani authorities. 
2.3  Trade Agreements and Arrangements 
2.3.1  WTO 2.13.  Pakistan is an original Member of the WTO and provides at least MFN treatment to all except 
two WTO Members. It also extends MFN treatment to non-WTO trading partners. Pakistan is not a 
signatory to the WTO Plurilateral Agreements, but it is considering joining the Information Technology Agreement. WTO Agreements, once ratified, are incorporated into relevant domestic legislation. 
2.14.  At the time of the last Review, trade between India and Pakistan was conducted on the 
basis of a positive list comprising approximately 2,000 items that could be imported from India. In 2012, the positive list was replaced by a negative list of about 1,200 products that could not be 
imported from India.
4 These include inter alia : ballpoint pens, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and 
16 agricultural products. This change has resulted in a significant boost to bilateral trade. Bilateral 
                                               
3 SRO culture biggest hurdle in improved tax collection. Viewed at 
http://pakistaneconomywatch.com/?p=1002 . 
4 Pakistan's negative list viewed at: http://www.texprocil.org/cdn/gallery/793.pdf . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 26 - 
 
  trade between India and Pakistan reached US$2.6 billion in 2012-13, an increase of 34.4% over 
the previous year's US$1.94 billion.5  
2.15.  Pakistan is in the process of offering India Non-Discriminatory Market Access (NDMA). 
Under NDMA Pakistan is expected to reduce its sensitive lists to 100 tariff lines. Trade with Israel is 
prohibited. 
2.3.1.1  Objectives and trade negotiations 2.16.  Pakistan has participated actively in the Doha Round of negotiations and strongly supports 
an effective rules-based international trading system. It sees further broad-based multilateral 
liberalization as benefiting Pakistani exporters, provided sound sectoral policies are followed to ensure their international competitiveness. In th e current round of negotiations, the Government 
hopes to see certain multilateral imbalances and discrimination against Pakistan and other 
developing countries redressed as well as developmental outcomes. Pakistan has been particularly 
active in the negotiations on non-agricultural market access, rules, trade facilitation, agriculture (including as a member of the G-20 Group, the G-33 Group, and since December 2005, of the 
Cairns Group). Pakistan is a member of the "W52" sponsors.
6 
2.17.  At MC9, Pakistan reiterated its position to build on the 2008 modalities on agriculture and 
NAMA. However, Pakistan only agreed to the general services part of the G-33 proposal, which 
concerns the security of rural livelihoods through the enlargement of green box programmes. 
Furthermore, Pakistan stated that market-price support programmes of one country could have a detrimental effect on the food security of others.
7 
2.3.1.2  Notifications 
2.18.  Pakistan has made regular notifications to the WTO on various aspects of its trade and 
legislative regimes (Table 2.3). However, there continue to be many outstanding notifications in areas such as: SPS, TBT and domestic support in agriculture. 
Table 2.3 WTO notifications, July 2007-July 2014  
Legal basis, instrument or 
provision Subject WTO documents Frequency 
Agreement on Implementation 
of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Article 16.4) Anti-dumping actions 
(taken within the preceding six months) G/ADP/N/158/PAK, 03/08/2007 
G/ADP/N/153/PAK/Add.1, 21/12/2007 
G/ADP/N/145/PAK/Add.1, 21/12/2007 
G/ADP/N/166/PAK, 04/02/2008 
G/ADP/N/173/PAK, 18/09/2008 
G/ADP/N/180/PAK, 27/01/2009 
G/ADP/N/188/PAK, 01/03/2010 
G/ADP/N/195/PAK, 01/03/2010 
G/ADP/N/195/PAK/Rev.1, 23/04/2010 
G/ADP/N/202/PAK, 06/09/2010 
G/ADP/N/209/PAK, 15/02/2011 
G/ADP/N/209/PAK/Corr.1, 03/03/2011 G/ADP/N/216/PAK, 25/08/2011 
G/ADP/N/223/PAK, 30/01/2012 
G/ADP/N/230/PAK, 04/09/2012 
G/ADP/N/237/PAK, 27/03/2013 
G/ADP/N/237/PAK/Corr.1, 19/06/2013 
G/ADP/N/230/PAK/Corr.1, 19/06/2013 
G/ADP/N/244/PAK, 20/09/2013 
G/ADP/N/252/PAK, 28/02/2014 
G/ADP/N/252/PAK/Corr.1, 11/03/2014 Semi-annual or 
ad hoc 
                                               
5 The Hindu , "Pakistan to grant Non-Discriminatory Market Access status to India", 30 May 2014. 
Viewed at: http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sou th-asia/pakistan-to-grant-nondiscriminatory-
market-access-status-to-india/article6065276.ece . 
6 Sponsors of TN/C/W/52, a proposal for "modalitie s" in negotiations on geographical indications 
(the multilateral register for wines an d spirits, and extending the higher le vel of protection beyond wines and 
spirits) and "disclosure" (patent applicants to disclose the origin of genetic resources and traditional knowledge 
used in the inventions). 
7 Viewed at: http://www.wto-pakistan.org/documents/news/MinisterStatement_Bali_2013.pdf . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 27 - 
 
  Legal basis, instrument or 
provision Subject WTO documents Frequency 
Agreement on Implementation 
of Article VI of the GATT 1994 
(Article 18.5) Laws/regulations (and 
changes thereto, including 
changes in the 
administration of such 
laws) G/ADP/N/1/PAK/2/Suppl.3, 04/04/2012 Ad hoc and 
when a Member 
establishes or 
changes laws 
and regulations 
Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures 
(Article 25.11) Countervailing duty 
actions (preliminary and 
final) G/SCM/N/235/PAK, 30/01/2012 
G/SCM/N/242/PAK, 31/05/2012 
G/SCM/N/250/PAK, 27/03/2013 
G/SCM/N/259/PAK, 23/09/2013 
G/SCM/N/267/PAK, 04/03/2014 Ad hoc 
Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures 
(Article 32.6) Laws/regulations (and 
changes thereto, including 
changes in the 
administration of such 
laws) G/SCM/N/1/PAK/2/Suppl.3, 04/04/2012 Ad hoc and 
when a Member 
establishes or 
changes laws 
and regulations 
Agreement on Safeguards 
(Article 12.6) Administrative 
arrangements; laws/regulations (and 
changes thereto) - Ad hoc and 
when a Member establishes or 
changes laws 
and regulations 
Agreement on Safeguards 
(Article 12.1(c)) Termination of safeguard 
investigation - Ad hoc 
Understanding of the Interpretation of Article XVII of GATT 1994 (Article XVII:4(a)) Foreign trade by state 
trading enterprises G/STR/N/10/PAK, 21/11/2011 
G/STR/N/11/PAK, 21/11/2011 
G/STR/N/12/PAK, 21/11/2011 G/STR/N/13/PAK, 21/11/2011 Annual 
Agreement on Trade-Related 
Aspects of Intellectual Property 
Rights (Article 63.2) Laws and regulations - Once or ad hoc 
Agreement on Technical 
Barriers to Trade (Article 10.6) Measures in force G/TBT/N/PAK/26, 13/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/27, 13/01/2009 G/TBT/N/PAK/28, 13/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/29, 13/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/30, 13/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/31, 23/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/32, 23/01/2009 G/TBT/N/PAK/33, 23/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/34, 23/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/35, 23/01/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/36, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/37, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/39, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/40, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/41, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/42, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/43, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/44, 11/02/2009 G/TBT/N/PAK/45, 11/02/2009 
G/TBT/N/PAK/46, 21/10/2011 
G/TBT/N/PAK/47, 21/10/2011 
G/TBT/N/PAK/48, 11/11/2011 
G/TBT/N/PAK/49, 11/11/2011 
G/TBT/N/PAK/50, 29/11/2011 
G/TBT/N/PAK/51, 29/11/2011 
G/TBT/N/PAK/52, 20/01/2012 
G/TBT/N/PAK/53, 20/01/2012 
G/TBT/N/PAK/54, 20/01/2012 
G/TBT/N/PAK/55, 20/01/2012 
G/TBT/N/PAK/56, 20/01/2012 
G/TBT/N/PAK/57, 20/01/2012 Ad hoc 
Agreement on Agriculture 
(Article 18.2) Laws/regulations (and 
changes thereto, including 
changes in the 
administration of such 
laws) G/AG/N/PAK/10, 09/01/2008 
G/AG/N/PAK/10/Corr.1, 01/02/2008 
G/AG/N/PAK/11, 23/10/2009 
G/AG/N/PAK/12, 17/02/2011 
G/AG/N/PAK/13, 15/05/2012 
G/AG/N/PAK/14, 24/05/2013 
G/AG/N/PAK/15, 14/01/2014 Annual WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 28 - 
 
  Legal basis, instrument or 
provision Subject WTO documents Frequency 
GATT 1994 Article XXIV: 7(a) Regional Trade 
Agreements WT/REG/237/N/1, 21/01/2008 Ad hoc 
General Agreement on Trade in 
Services (GATS) Article V: 7(a) Regional Trade 
Agreements S/C/N/440, 04/03/2008 
S/C/N/551, 21/05/2010 Ad hoc 
Enabling Clause, 
Paragraph 4(a) Differential and more 
favourable treatment reciprocity and fuller 
participation of developing 
countries WT/COMTD/N/24, 04/03/2008 
WT/COMTD/N/26, 24/04/2008 
WT/COMTD/N/27, 18/06/2008 Ad hoc 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
2.3.1.3  Dispute settlement 
2.19.  During the period under review, Pakistan has been a respondent in one case initiated by 
Indonesia, concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by Pakistan on certain 
paper products from Indonesia. In May 2014, Indonesia requested the establishment of a panel.8 
Pakistan has also been a third party in two disputes.9 On 5 November 2014, Pakistan notified the 
WTO Secretariat of a request for consultations with the European Union regarding the imposition of 
countervailing measures by the EU on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from 
Pakistan and regarding certain aspects of the investigation underlying those measures.10 
2.3.2  Regional and preferential agreements 
2.20.  Pakistan considers the multilateral trading sy stem to be the cornerstone of its trade policy. 
However, it also believes that preferential tr ade agreements (PTAs) are complementary to the 
multilateral trading system. According to the authorities, through PTAs and RTAs, Pakistan seeks 
to strengthen the economic and commercial relati onship between the signatories, increase the 
volume of trade in goods and services betw een the members of the PTA, promote a more 
predictable and secure environment for the sustai nable growth of trade between the members of 
the PTA, expand mutual trade through exploring new areas of cooperation, facilitate diversification 
of trade products between the countries that are a party to the agreement, encourage further 
competition amongst the enterprises in member countries, contribute by the removal of barriers to trade, to the harmonious development and expansion of bilateral trade, as well as world trade. 
Pakistan is of the view that successful PTAs can further contribute to poverty alleviation and 
improved livelihood of the population.  
2.3.2.1  Regional and bilateral agreements  
2.3.2.1.1  South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) 
2.21.  Pakistan is a signatory to the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
11, which entered into 
force on 1 January 2006.12 Tariff reductions commenced in July 2006 and are scheduled to be 
completed by 2016. Under SAFTA's Trade Liberalization Programme, tariff reduction for Pakistan 
was to occur in two phases. Under phase-I (2006-2008), tariff rates above 20% were reduced to 
20% within two years, tariff rates below 20% were  reduced on margin of preference basis of 10% 
per year. Under phase-II (2008-2013), tariff rates have been reduced to 0-5% within 5 years. 
"Sensitive" listed goods are exempt from tariff cu ts. Pakistan's list of sensitive goods comprises 
938 tariff lines at the HS 6-digit level or 22.6% of the total. Services are excluded. 
2.3.2.1.2  Pakistan-Sri Lanka FTA 
2.22.  The FTA entered into force on 12 June 2005.13 Under the provisions of the Agreement, 
tariffs were removed on some 90% of Pakistan's tariff lines on a margin of preference basis. 
                                               
8 WTO Document WT/DS470/2, 13 May 2014. 
9 WTO Documents WT/DS367/21, 19 September 2011 and WT/DS334/14, 10 October 2008. 
10 WTO Document WT/DS486/1, 7 November 2014. 
11 SAFTA comprises members of the South Asian Asso ciation for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), these 
are: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 
12 Notified under the enabling clause in April 2008. 
13 The Agreement was notified under the enabling clause in June 2008. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 29 - 
 
  Pakistan's margins are at least 34% on commencement, 67% within two years, and 100% after 
the third year. Goods included in a negative (no concession) list are exempt from tariff reductions; Pakistan has 607 six-digit tariff items on the list. Its tariffs on 206 six-digit items were reduced immediately to zero, and margins of preference of 20% immediately applied (without quotas) on 
five six-digit tariff items. Another 26 mainly six-digit Pakistani tariff items are subject to tariff rate 
quotas, including tea. Pakistan has met its first- and second-stage commitments and implemented its final stage in June 2008. Both parties have agreed to include services and investment.  
2.3.2.1.3  Pakistan-China FTA 
2.23.  The FTA entered into force from 1 July 2007.
14 Phase I reduced or removed selected tariffs 
progressively over five years. Pakistan's reductions cover around 5,900 eight-digit tariff items (about 85% of total tariff items). Rates were reduced immediately by 25% on category I goods 
and were being phased out in three equal instalment s by 2010 (35.6% of eight-digit tariff items); 
immediately lowered by 20% on category II goods and were reduced to or below 5% in five equal instalments by 2012 (19.9% of tariff items); immediately reduced by 8% on category III goods 
and are to be phased to a 50% margin of preference in five generally equal instalments by 2012 
(2.0% of tariff items); and reduced immediately by 3% on category IV goods and phased to a 20% margin in five generally equal instalments in 2012 (26.1% of tariff items). Category V and VI 
goods are not subject to concessions or reductions.  
2.24.  The Agreement on Trade in Services between Pakistan and China came into force in 
October 2009. Under the provisions of the Agreement, Pakistan has provided China access to 11 sectors and 107 sub-sectors out of a possible 160 sub-sectors on a national treatment basis 
China has provided market access to Pakistan in 11 sectors and 133 sub-sectors on a national 
treatment basis. The authorities stated that the Agreement was being renegotiated. 
2.3.2.1.4  Pakistan-Malaysia FTA 
2.25.  The Pakistan Malaysia Free Trade Agreement came into force in 2008.
15 This Agreement was 
Pakistan's first comprehensive FTA, covering trade in goods and services, investment and 
economic co-operation. For trade in goods Pakistan was to eliminate tariff on 43.2% of the current 
imports from Malaysia by 2012. Malaysia was to eliminate tariff on 78% of imports from Pakistan. 
Pakistan has reduced the tariff on 7 palm oil tariff lines by 15% margin of preference that is 10% 
in 2008 and an additional 5% in 2010. The auth orities stated that the Agreement was being 
reviewed.  
2.26.  In trade in services, both countries have provided WTO plus market accesses to each other. 
In the field of computer and IT-related services, Islamic Banking, Islamic Insurance, Pakistan has secured 100% equity in Malaysia. Mutual recognition arrangements are also covered in the FTA. 
These arrangements provide a framework for a ccreditation of educational institutions and 
academic programmes. The Agreement also contains a chapter on investment.  
2.3.2.1.5  Pakistan-Iran PTA 
2.27.  The PTA entered into force on 1 September 2006. Pakistan extended preferential tariff 
margins of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 30% (mainly 10% and 30%) on 338 six-digit tariff items from 1 September 2007. According to the authorities trade under the Agreement is minimal due to international sanctions on Iran. 
2.3.2.1.6  Pakistan-Mauritius PTA 
2.28.  The Preferential Trade Agreement between Pakistan and the Republic of Mauritius became 
operational in November 2007. The Agreement provides for tariffs to be reduced substantially or 
phased down within two years of the date of implementation. Pakistan has agreed to extend 
preferential tariffs (initially of 50% and full re moval after one year) to Mauritius on a range of 
goods, including fresh flowers, fruits, tea, tinne d tuna, sugar, soap, certain food preparations, 
                                               
14 The Agreement was notified under GATT Article XXIV and GATS Article V in January 2008 and 
May 2010. 
15 The Agreement was notified under the enabling clause and GATS Article V in February 2008. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 30 - 
 
  pasta, non-alcoholic beverages, and certain knitted textiles. Imports of certain other textile 
products receive a preferential tariff margin of  40% but subject to tariff quotas totalling some 
8 million pieces annually. Six memoranda of understanding were also signed to promote bilateral trade and cooperation, including in customs, small and medium enterprises, state trading 
corporations, technical standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, fisheries, and export 
promotion. The authorities stated that trade under  the Agreement was concentrated in rice and did 
not permeate to other sectors, as such they did not expect there to be an FTA. 
2.3.2.1.7  Pakistan-Indonesia PTA 
2.29.  The PTA came into force in September 2013. Under the PTA, Indonesia grants market 
access at preferential rates to Pakistan export products including fresh fruits, cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, ready-made garments, fans (ceiling, table, pedestal), sports goods (badminton and tennis 
rackets), leather goods and other industrial products. Furthermore, Indonesia grants market 
access to Pakistani kinnow at 0% tariff. Similarly, Pakistan provides market access at preferential tariff rates to Indonesian exports. Customs duties  have been reduced on 313 items. In addition, 
Pakistan extends a 15% margin of preference over the standard tariff rate to Indonesian palm oil 
products, similar to that extended to Malaysian palm oil products under the Pak-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement. 
2.3.3  Plurilateral and other arrangements 
2.30.  Pakistan has bilateral free-trade agreements  (FTAs) with Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia, Iran, 
Indonesia and Mauritius. Negotiations are ongoing with the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). In 
addition, Pakistan has agreed to joint studies on possible preferential trade agreements with Japan 
and ASEAN. 
2.3.3.1  Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) 
2.31.  The Framework Agreement on the Trade Pr eferential System Among OIC Member States 
has 18 signatories, including Pakistan. The Protocol on Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPS-OIC (PRETAS), adopted in 2005, called for specific tari ff reductions on an agreed timetable. The second 
round of negotiations, launched in November 20 06, declared a road map and target date of 
1 January 2009 to establish PRETAS. Pakistan has signed and ratified the agreements. However, the agreement is not in force as it has not been ratified by all its members. 
2.3.3.2  Developing-8 group of countries (D-8) 
2.32.  The D-8 Group is a development and economic cooperation arrangement comprising 
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Ma laysia, Nigeria, and Turkey. Members signed the 
Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in 2006 (Fifth Summit). The PTA calls for tariffs above 10% to 
be reduced in four annual instalments (eight for least developed members) on 8% of members' 
total tariff lines. Visa, customs and shipping agreements have been reached. However, the agreement is not in force as it has not been ratified by all parties. 
2.3.3.3  Economic Cooper ation Organization (ECO)
16 
2.33.  Under the Agreement, Pakistan is expect ed to provide preferential tariff margins of 
10 percentage points on the same imported items as those eligible under SAFTA. Tariffs are to be reduced to a maximum rate of 15% within eight years (15 years for Afghanistan). Sensitive goods 
excluded from tariff reductions are limited initially  to 1% of members' 6-digit tariff items, and the 
coverage of the positive list of reductions is to be expanded proportionately in eight equal annual stages to 80% of members' tariff lines. ECOTA ex cludes trade in services. However, the agreement 
is not being implemented as it has not been ratified by all signatories. 
                                               
16 Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), is an intergovernmental regional  organization created in 
1985 by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey for the purpose of pr omoting economic, technical and cultural cooperation 
among the Member States. In 1992, the Organization was expanded to include seven new members, namely: 
Islamic Republic of Afghanis tan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of 
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic  of Uzbekistan. The Agre ement was notified under the enabling clause in 
July1992. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  2.3.3.4  Other prefer ential arrangements 
2.34.  Pakistan has maintained preferential tariffs under the GATT Protocol Relating to Trade 
Negotiations Among Developing Countries and th e Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP). 
Its GSTP commitments cover seven 4-digit HS items. Pakistan, along with other members, has not 
offered further commitments under the ongoing third round of GSTP negotiations launched in 
June 2004, as principles and market access formulae are still being discussed. 
2.4  Investment Regime 
2.35.  Pakistan has a relatively liberal investment regime, which applies equally to both nationals 
and foreigners. However, there are exceptions. In certain sectors, there are equity limits on foreign investment, while foreign investment is completely prohibited in five sectors (see below). 
2.36.  The current foreign investment regime in  Pakistan builds on the FDI policy, which was 
initiated in 1997. The Government issued a new foreign investment policy in 2013. The policy is 
administered by the Board of Investment (BoI). Th e BOI is headed by the Prime Minister, and also 
comprises of the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Minister of Industries, Chairman of 
the BOI, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Co mmission, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, 
Secretary BOI and 20 members from the private sector. Under the provisions of the BOI Ordinance 2001, the BOI is mandated inter alia  to develop and implement investment policies, approve 
investment projects and promote investment in Pakistan. The objectives of the investment policy 
are to achieve a progressive increase in net FDI inflows of US$2 billion in the first year, and then growing annually by 25% to reach US$5.5 billion in 2018.  
2.37.  Under the current investment policy, 100% FDI is permitted in all sectors and industries 
except arms and ammunitions; high explosives ; radio-active substances; security printing; 
currency and mint; and consumable alcohol. The share of foreign equity is limited in the airline, banking, agriculture and print and electronic media sectors. Also, all foreign investment in Pakistan 
must be cleared by the Ministry of Interior. 
2.38.  Under the policy, foreign firms are allowed to repatriate profits, dividends or any other 
funds in the currency of the country from which the investment came. There is no minimum 
amount of foreign equity investment in any sector.  
2.39.  Additionally, customs duty on the import of plant machinery and equipment for investment 
in the manufacturing and the infrastructure sector is 5%, for services (including information technology and telecommunications) it varies between 0-5%, and for the agricultural sector is 0%. 
Tax relief in the form of an initial depreciation allowance of 25% of plant, machinery and 
equipment is also permitted for investments in all sectors.
17  
2.40.  In tandem, the Government also issued the Foreign Direct Investment Strategy 2013-17,18 
which stipulates increased facilitation procedures such as the role of the BOI and a one-stop shop 
for investment in Pakistan, and project-focused FDI promotion. The latter implies that the BOI will concentrate/direct investment towards target sectors such as: infrastructure and communications; 
manufacturing (textiles, food processing, consum er goods, and engineering); energy; mining and 
exploration; construction and real estate; automotive and the agricultural sector. Both the strategy and the policy seek to achieve their goals throug h Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which are the 
bedrock of the Governments' current investment strategy.  
2.41.  The SEZ Act was promulgated in September 2012 and allows for the setting up of SEZs by 
the federal and provincial governments themselves or in collaboration with the private sector as public-private partnerships. The Act also allows for the private sector to establish a SEZ on its 
own. Recent information pertaining to SEZs or EPZs was not made available. 
2.42.  The authorities define SEZs as "specialized zones with specific types of enterprises operating 
in a well-defined geographic area, where certain economic activities are promoted by a set of 
                                               
17 Pakistan Board of Invest ment website. Viewed at: 
http://boi.gov.pk/Investment Guide/InvestmentGuide.aspx . 
18 Board of Investment (2012). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 32 - 
 
  policy measures that are generally not applicable to the rest of the country." Facilities provided by 
SEZs include access to high quality infrastructure , uninterrupted power supply, clearly titled land, 
streamlined regulatory enforcement, simpler ru les for establishing a business and expedited 
customs procedures. 
2.43.  Incentives provided to SEZ developers and enterprises operating in the SEZs include: a 
one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes for all capital goods imported into Pakistan for the development, maintenance and operation of a SEZ. Developers and operators in a SEZ are 
also exempt from paying income  tax for a period of 10 years. 
2.44.  Pakistan also provides non-discriminatory general investment incentives, including tariff and 
tax concessions. These are administered by the Ministry of Commerce and the FBR (Table 2.4). 
Sectoral incentives are also in place for the oil and gas exploration sector and information 
technology-related services (Section 4).  
2.45.  Pakistan has concluded 48 bilateral investment treaties, of these three (Germany, the State 
of Kuwait and Turkey) were signed during the period under review.
19 Additionally, Pakistan also 
has 63 double taxation treaties in force.20 Pakistan is also a member of the Multilateral Investment 
Guarantee Agency (MIGA). MIGA currently has thr ee projects in Pakistan, and an exposure in 
excess of US$300 million.  
Table 2.4 Main investment incentives, 2014   
Measure Description 
A. General incentives  
Tariffs rebates and 
exemptions Imports of plant, machinery, and eq uipment unavailable locally subject to 
concessionary tariffs of 10% 
Sales tax Zero on imported and domestic plan t, machinery, and equi pment by all sectors 
B. Industry-specific incentives  
Financial services A rebate on investment in approved pensio n funds of up to the lowest of 20% of 
taxable income or PRs 500,000 (raised from 10% or PRs 200,000 in 2005/06 
Budget) 
Agriculture Agricultural income exempt from federal income tax (subject to provincial tax) 
Information technology Export income from software and related services tax exempt until 30 June 2016 
Venture capital Venture capital companies exempt fro m income tax from 1 July 2000 until 
30 June 2014 (extended from June 2007 in 2006/07 Budget) 
Mineral refining Income from mineral refining tax exempt to up to 10% of the business's capital 
Textiles Textile sector exempt from sales tax, an d import of raw materials exempt from 
tariffs and sales tax (2005/06 Budget) 
Pharmaceuticals Tariff concessions on inputs  
C. Regional incentives  
Tariffs  Full tariff exemption on imported machinery for facilities in designated rural and 
poorly developed areas, as well as appr oved industrial estates, including FATA. 
Furthermore, tariff exemption is also afford ed to food processing and preservation 
units in Gilgit/Baltistan, Balochistan and Malakand Division  
Sales tax  Full exemption of sales tax on imported and domestic machinery for facilities in 
designated rural and poorly developed ar eas, as well as approved industrial 
estates (Hub Tehsil in Balochistan, districts of Mainwali and Bhakkar and tehsil 
Khushab in Punjab, and the districts of Th arparkar and Dadu in Sindh, excluding 
Taluka and Kotri) 
Source: Pakistani authorities. 
                                               
19 Details of the treaties provided on Pakistan Board of Investment website. Viewed at: 
http://boi.gov.pk/Inve stmentGuide/BITs.aspx . 
20 Federal Board of Revenue website. Viewed at: http://www.fbr.gov.pk/CategoryLayoutTitle.aspx? 
view=Category%5BDocuments%5D&ActionID=332&ArticleID= . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
3.1  Introduction 3.1.  Since its last Review in 2008, Pakistan has undertaken a number of steps to cautiously 
liberalize its trade regime. This includes the reduct ion of MFN tariff rates and efforts to accelerate 
and modernize customs procedures. However, although Pakistan's trade policy is directed at 
promoting private sector investment and export-led  growth, the high degree of overall protection 
still favours import substitution and reduces resource-use efficiency, export competitiveness and 
diversification. In addition, the use of ad hoc  trade policy instruments remains common and 
strongly undermines the predictability of the trade regime. 
3.2.  Pakistan's applied MFN tariffs  fell slightly during the period under review, from an average of 
14.8% in 2008 to 13.4% in 2014. With the exception of some 45 products, all tariff lines are 
ad valorem . Since July 2014, Pakistan no longer has duty  free tariff lines. Around 98% of all tariff 
lines are bound. In addition to tariffs, imports are subject to sales tax. "Regulatory import charges" of 5% apply on some 284 products. 
3.3.  Since 2008, Pakistan has initiated 58 anti-dumping investigations, which led to the imposition 
of 31 definitive measures. No safeguard or countervailing measures have been taken. Import prohibitions and licensing are operated mainly for health, safety, security, moral and 
environmental reasons. While imports from India have been liberalized to a certain extent, imports 
from Israel remain banned. Pakistan's standards are mostly based on international standards. A National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority is currently being established. No SPS notifications have been submitted since January 2000. 
3.4.  Production and exports are facilitated by a range of general and sectoral schemes that offer 
income and other tax exemptions or concessions, subsidies, concessionary credit, duty drawbacks 
and agricultural price and other domestic support. Many of these arrangements are 
administratively complex and non-transparent. A ll exports are subject to an export development 
charge of 0.25% while various products are subj ect to "regulatory duties" when exported. State 
ownership in Pakistan's economy remains extensive. A privatization programme is under way 
although the extent to which this will impact the main three loss-making companies is uncertain. 
In 2013, a National Procurement Strategy was launch ed with a view to making public procurement 
processes more efficient and transparent. The competition policy framework has been considerably strengthened through the adoption of a Competition Act in 2010. Pakistan has continued its efforts 
to advance effective enforcement of intellectual property rights. 
3.2  Measures Directly Affecting Imports 3.2.1  Procedures 
3.5.  According to the Customs Authorities, the following four documents are required in 
connection with imports: bill of lading, certificate of origin (in case of concessionary imports under an FTA/PTA), commercial invoice and packing list. The processing fee per declaration, which may 
cover several consignments, is PRs 250. In addition to these documents, the World Bank's Doing 
Business  survey for 2014 also makes reference to four fo rms, i.e. delivery order, gate pass (cargo 
release order), customs import declaration and insurance certificate which are required for the processing and release of imported goods.
1 According to the same survey, the overall costs of 
importing a standard container of goods amounts to US$725 and takes a total of 18 days of which 
two are for customs clearance. This places Pakist an at 91 in the ranking of 189 economies on the 
ease of trading across borders.2  
3.6.  Importers no longer need to be registered while imports are permitted from all countries and 
territories with the exception of Israel. Importers must have a national tax number and a sales tax 
                                               
1 World Bank (2014a). Pakistan has pre-shipment insp ection requirements on a wide range of allowable 
imports of second-hand goods (e.g. plant, machinery, eq uipment, and apparatus) as well as oil, gas, wheat 
and specific vehicles to certify age and workability, main ly for health and safety reasons. Authorized inspection 
firms are Lloyds of London, Quality Tech LLC; ABS; Bu reau Veritas, SGS and IMTECH (Government of Pakistan 
– 2013 Import Policy Order, Appendix H).  
2 Overall, Pakistan's Doing Business rank fell from 106th in 2013 to 110th in 2014. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 34 - 
 
  registration number. Presently, Pakistan does not have a formal system of Authorized Economic 
Operators.  
3.7.  Since Pakistan's last Review, Customs authorities have been implementing a modernization 
programme. Reforms include the creation of a National Single Window, with a Single 
Administrative Document, electronic submission and processing of declarations at seaports, major 
land borders and major international airports. A previous privately-developed IT system utilized by Customs for submitting the goods declaration, Pa kistan Customs Computerized System (PaCCS), 
has been mostly replaced by the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC
3) developed by the Federal 
Board of Revenue (FBR). According to the auth orities, WeBOC, which was piloted in 2011, is 
expected to be fully implemented across Pakistan by the end of 2015 and will offer a paperless and fully-automated environment, including a risk management system. By the end of 2014, WeBOC 
covered 91% of clearances at sea, 69% at inland dry ports and 60% at airports. It is estimated 
that some 60% of import cargo is presently cleared through the green and yellow channels, which allow for a speedier release of the products and does not involve a physical examination of the 
consignment. Similarly, it is estimated that  40% of imports pass through the red channel, 
involving the physical examination of individual consignments. Despite these improvements, decisions regarding inspections are reportedly often based on informal payments
4 and procedures 
for inspection of transit cargo are often inefficient and lack transparency. 
3.8.  Pakistan acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention in October 2004, and complies with 
26 standards of the Kyoto General Annex, e.g. provisions on customs computerization, post-
clearance audit, fiscal fraud, and alternative dispute resolution systems. Temporary import 
facilities have improved, including application of the ATA Carnet Istanbul and TIR Conventions in 
2005/06.  
3.9.  A Trade Facilitation Committee in the Mini stry of Commerce, consisting of representatives 
from 38 government and non-government entities5, meets quarterly to address trade and 
transport facilitation issues.  
3.10.  In 2010, Pakistan and Afghanistan signed  the Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement 
(APTTA) which allows Afghanistan to transit duty -free goods overland through Pakistan and via 
Pakistani ports for export and import to other countries. An updated APTTA was signed in 2013 with the objective of further promoting bilateral trade and eliminating the smuggling of goods in Pakistan by traders claiming to be transiting goods into Afghanistan. The Agreement does not 
permit India to transit goods through Pakistan for export to Afghanistan.  
3.11.  Despite the Agreement's ambitious objectives in terms of facilitating trade, reducing transit 
costs and streamlining customs procedures, security issues continue to have a detrimental effect 
on transit trade between the two countries.  
3.2.2  Customs valuation 3.12.  Located in Karachi, the Directorate Genera l of Customs Valuation falls under the FBR which 
has jurisdiction over all of Pakistan. Its field offices operate in accordance with the 1969 Customs 
Act. Pakistan notified the WTO in 2001 that the basis for determining the value for customs' purposes is the transaction value.
6 Tariffs are levied on the c.i.f. value of goods. Pakistan has not, 
however, replied to the Checklist of issues  in the Committee on Customs Valuation.  
3.13.  The Pakistan Customs Valuation Gateway offers information on rules and procedures as well 
as application forms.7 Administrative appeals against duty valuations and other customs decisions 
may be made to a Customs Internal Review8, and to the FBR, which appoints a committee to 
consider the case. Such decisions, including criminal proceedings, may be appealed to the Special 
Court for Customs, Taxation and anti-smuggling, and subsequently to the Appellate Tribunal on 
                                               
3 Web-Based One Customs online  information. Viewed at: https://www.weboc.gov.pk/ . 
4 World Bank (2013a). 
5 The Gazette of Pakistan , 6 April 2013.  
6 WTO document G/VAL/N/1/PAK/1, 15 May 2001. 
7 Pakistan Customs Valuation Gateway online information. Viewed at: 
http://valuationgateway.fbr.gov.pk . 
8 Pakistan Customs - Post Clearance Audit Manual, Section 2.4. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 35 - 
 
  Customs, Excise and Sales Tax, the provincial Hi gh Court and, in certain situations, the Supreme 
Court. 
3.2.3  Rules of origin 3.14.  Pakistan has notified the WTO that it has no rules of origin for MFN treatment.
9 
3.15.  Preferential rules of origin exist under b ilateral/plurilateral trade agreements and unilateral 
schemes (Table 3.1). These incorporate various valu e addition and change in tariff classification 
criteria, as well as usually providing for product-specific rules. The existence of different RoO 
under the various agreements increases the comple xity of Pakistan's trade regime and creates a 
more cumbersome administration with important ramifications for transparency and predictability.  
Table 3.1 Preferential rules of origin in trade agreements, 2014  
Trade agreement Wholly 
produced 
or obtained Minimum value 
addition Cumulation rules Product 
specific rules 
South Asian Free Trade Area 
(SAFTA)  Yesa 40% of f.o.b.; 
30% for LDCs;  35% for Sri Lanka
b Minimum aggregate originating content of 50% f.o.b.
c Yesd 
Pakistan-Sri Lanka FTA Yesa 35% of f.o.b.eMinimum value addition of 25% in 
exporting countryf None 
Pakistan-China FTA Yesg 40% of f.o.b. Minimum value addition of 25% in 
exporting countryh None 
Pakistan-Malaysia PTA  Yesg 40% of f.o.b. Minimum value addition of 25% in 
exporting countryh Certain textiles 
and jewelleryi 
Pakistan-Iran PTA Yes 50% of f.o.b. None  
Pakistan-Mauritius PTA Yes 35% of f.o.b. Minimum value addition of 25% in 
exporting countryh  
Global System of Trade 
Preferences Yesa 50% of f.o.b.; 
40% for LDCse Minimum total value addition of 60%; 50% for LDCs None 
Pakistan–Indonesia 
 Yes 40% of f.o.b. Minimum value addition in two 
countries of 40% None 
a Fish caught in high seas must be in vessels registered in a member country and operated by its 
citizens or an entity with domestic equity (including state) of 65%, or 75% equity of all members. 
b Final good must be classified in a different ta riff heading (4-digit HS) than all non-originating 
material inputs. 
c Also, must be minimum domestic value content (value of inputs originating in the exporting member 
plus domestic value addition in the exporting member) of 20% of f.o.b. value and meet change in 
tariff classification requirements. 
d Generally require lower minimum value addition of  mainly 30% or 40% and change in 6-digit HS 
classification. 
e Final good must be in a different 6-digit tariff cl assification than all non-originating material inputs. 
f Minimum total value addition in two countries of 35%. g Fish caught in high seas must be in vessels registered in a member or entitled to fly its flag. 
h Minimum value addition in two countries of 40%. i Based on change in 4-digit tariff classification (s pinning, weaving, bleachin g, dyeing, printing and 
finishing sufficient transformati on to be originating goods). 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat.  
3.2.4  Tariffs 
3.2.4.1  Policy and general features 3.16.  Tariff rates are amended annually at budg et time and approved by Parliament in the 
Finance Act. The FBR determines annual tariff rates in collaboration with key ministries, including 
Finance; Commerce; and Industries & Production. It  also receives tariff recommendations from the 
National Tariff Commission (NTC), in particular with respect to protection of indigenous industry, 
improving competitiveness and promoting exports from Pakistan.
10 The Government has general 
                                               
9 WTO document G/RO/N/16, 5 March 1997. 
10 The NTC's focus has more recently turned to the ad ministration of trade defence laws with regard to 
Pakistan’s international treaty obligations and as a think tank on matters relating to competitiveness of 
Pakistan's indigenous industry. The NTC conducts studie s following requests by a range of entities, including 
government agencies, business asso ciations and priv ate companies. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 36 - 
 
  authority to apply tariff exemptions/concessions11, and to add or modify import rules, the latter 
being issued by the FBR as Statutory Regulato ry Orders (SROs), which are approved by the 
Economic Coordination Committee of Cabinet. Exemptions and partial exemptions provided for 
industries under SRO regimes are a central source of deviation from MFN rates. Transparency, and 
therefore analysis, of the level and structure of Pakistan's tariffs is greatly complicated by the 
large numbers of exemptions and partial exempt ions which are announced separately through 
SROs and do not affect the customs duty rate shown in the customs duty column of the tariff 
schedule. Other SROs further specify whether specific products are exempted from sales and other 
domestic taxes, as well as rules and ordinances affecting imports. Although available on the FBR website, the separate SROs make it difficult to discern the applicable taxes and other measures imposed on individual tariff items which may be covered under multiple SROs. Often, SROs provide 
the exemptions for inputs for certain industrial sect ors. By confining regulations to selected sectors 
these exemptions operate as a de facto licensing scheme. The 2014-15 budget exercise included 
the withdrawal of three major SROs, i.e. 565(I) 2006, 575(I)/2006 and, 567(I)2006 as well as the 
elimination of concessions available to 89 industrial sectors.  
3.17.  The Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and 
Coding System at the eight-digit tariff line level; HS12.  
3.18.  Table 3.2 provides an overview of total coll ection of customs duty and its share in the 
overall revenue collection for the past six years.  
Table 3.2 Collection of revenue, 2008-14 
(PRs billion) 
Year FY Total revenue FBR Customs duty collection %age share 
2013-14 2,266 241 10.6 
2012-13 1,946 239 12.3 
2011-12 1,883 217 11.5 
2010-11 1,558 185 11.9 
2009-10 1,327 161 12.1 
2008-09 1,161 148 12.7 
Source: Government of Pakist an, Federal Board of Revenue. 
3.2.4.2  MFN applied rates 
3.19.  Pakistan's MFN tariff comprises 7,018 lines of which 97.9%, or 6,868 tariff lines, are 
bound.12 With the exception of 47 tariff lines, mostly on vegetable oils, silver and gold, but also on 
cellular mobile phones, which all carry a specific tariff, all lines are ad valorem . As in its last 
Review, Pakistan operates no MFN tariff quotas.13 However, compared to 2007/08 where some 400 
duty free tariff lines were registered, the 2014/15 tariff structure reveals that Pakistan no longer has duty free tariff lines (Chart 3.1). All of these tariff lines have been increased to 1% and now account for the 6.3% of tariff lines that are considered nuisance tariffs (Table 3.3).  
Table 3.3 Pakistan's tariff structure, 2007-08 and 2014-15 
(%, unless otherwise indicated) 
 MFN applied rate Final bounda
 2007/08 2014/15 
Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 98.0 97.9 97.9 
Simple average rate 14.5 14.3 61.5 
WTO agricultural products 14.8 14.6 96.3 
WTO non-agricultural products 14.5 14.3 56.6 
Duty free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines) 5.8 0.0 0.0 
Simple average rate of dutiable lines only 15.4 14.3 61.5 
Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines) 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Non-ad valorem  tariffs (% of all tariff lines) 0.6 0.7 0.0 
Domestic tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)b 1.1 1.3 0.0 
International tariff "peaks" (% of all tariff lines)c 40.0 38.7 94.8 
                                               
11 Section 19, The Customs Act. 
12 6,861 are fully bound and 7 are partially bound. 
13 Bilateral TRQs are in place under the FTA with Sri Lanka.  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 37 - 
 
   MFN applied rate Final bounda
 2007/08 2014/15 
Overall standard deviation of tariff rates 11.7 11.6 22.7 
Coefficient of variation of tariff rates 0.8 0.8 0.4 
Nuisance applied rates (% of all tariff lines)d 0.0 6.3 0.0 
Total number of tariff lines 6,910 7,018 6,868e 
Ad valorem  rates 6,466 6,971 6,868 
Duty free 400 0 0 
Specific rates 44 47 0 
a Final bound rates are based on the 2012 tariff schedule. 
b Domestic tariff peaks are defined as those exc eeding three times the overall average applied rate. 
c International tariff peaks are defined as those exceeding 15%. d Nuisance rates are those greater than zero, but less than or equal to 2%. 
e Bound lines only. 
Note: 2007 tariff is based on HS07 nomenclature, 2014/15 tariff is based on HS12. Calculations for 
averages are based on national tariff line level (8-digit); excluding specific rates. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data pr ovided by the authorities and on online data taken 
 from the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan. 
Chart 3.1 Distribution of MFN appl ied tariff rates, 2007-08 and 2014-15 
(5.8) (34.0)
(12.6)
(7.0) (13.4)   (19.6) 
(0.4)(5.5 )
(1.1)(6.3) (33.1)
(14.2) 
(7.1)(12.5) (20.7)
(0.4) (3.8)
(1.3)
05001,0001,5002,0002,500
Duty free 1% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% >50%Number of tariff linesMFN 2007/08
MFN 2014/15
 
Note: Figures in parentheses denote the percentage share of total lines. Figures for 2007-08 are based on 
HS07 nomenclature, and for 2014-15 on HS12. Totals do not add up to 100% due to the exclusion of specific rates, representing 0.6% and 0.7% respectively, for 2007-08 and 2014-15. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data pr ovided by the authorities and online data taken from 
the Federal Board of Revenue. 
3.20.  The distribution of MFN applied tariff rates in 2014-15 is broadly in line with the picture in 
2007/08 with the notable exception of the complete elimination of duty free tariff lines as noted previously. Around one-third of Pakistan's tariffs are at 5%, followed by one fifth at 25%. Slightly 
more than 1% of Pakistan's applied MFN tariffs are over 50% (Chart 3.1). 
3.21.  Pakistan's overall average MFN applied tariff is 14.3%, which is marginally lower than at the 
time of Pakistan's last Review and despite the fact that the country has eliminated all of its duty 
free tariff lines. According to the authorities, the elimination of the 0% slab on 400 tariff lines was 
part of the policy to reduce unnecessary exemptio ns. Expected revenue from this change has been 
estimated at around PRs 6 billion annually. On the basis of the WTO definition, tariffs average 
14.6% in agriculture and 14.3% on non-agricultural products (Table A3.1). Using ISIC (Revision 2) 
definition, the least tariff-protected sector is mini ng with 6.7%, followed by agriculture (8.7%) and 
manufacturing (14.8%) (Table A3.1). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 38 - 
 
  3.22.  On aggregate, Pakistan's tariff displays a significantly positive escalation from first-stage 
processed products, with an average tariff of 7.8%, to semi-finished goods, with an average rate of 10.9%, and fully processed products, on which tariffs average 17.6%. This escalation can generally be attributed to an industrial policy which seems to protect domestic manufacturing in 
particular. At a more disaggregate level, it can be observed that the average tariffs for some 
industrial products (e.g. clothing, non-electric machinery and transport equipment) are significantly higher than the average tariff for th e sector. The picture is similar when it comes to 
more processed agricultural products (e.g. dairy,  beverages, spirits and tobacco) (Table A3.1). 
3.2.4.3  Tariff bindings 3.23.  Pakistan has bound 97.9% of its tariff lines with unbound lines being mainly for motor 
vehicles and motorcycles, alcoholic beverages, certain paper and paper board products and certain 
meat and meat products. Ceiling levels exceed appl ied rates. The final average bound tariff rate of 
61.5% is more than four times higher than the 2014-15 average applied level of 14.3%. On 
average, the gap is highest for agricultural prod ucts where bound levels on, for example, live 
animals, vegetable products and fats and oils, exceed the applied rate by 8 to 10 times 
(Chart 3.2). This large gap reduces predictability as substantial leeway exists to raise applied tariffs. 
Chart 3.2 Average applied MFN and bound tariff rates, by HS section, 2007-08 and 
2014-15 
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%110%
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2101   Live animals & products        
02   Vegetable products03   Fats & oils      
04   Prepared food, etc.
05   Mineral products06   Chemicals & products07   Plastic & rubber
08   Hides & skins09   Wood & articles
10   Pulp, paper, etc.
11   Textiles & articles12   Footwear, headgear13   Articles of stones
14   Precious stones, etc.15   Base metals and products
16   Machinery
17   Transport equipment18   Precision instruments19   Arms & ammunition
20   Miscellaneous manuf.21   Works of art, etc.Average applied rate
2007/08 (14.5%)
2014/15 (14.3%)Average bound rate
(61.5%)MFN 2007/08 Bound MFN 2014/15 
 
Note: Calculations exclude specific rates. 2007-08 averages are based on HS07 nomenclature, 2014-15 on 
HS12. Sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 17 are not fully bound. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data prov ided by the authorities, and online data taken from 
the Federal Board of Revenue.  
3.2.4.4  Preferential tariffs 
3.24.  Pakistan applies preferential tariffs to Chin a, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Iran and SAFTA 
members. 
3.2.4.5  Tariff exemptions and concessions 3.25.  Regulatory exemptions and concessions provided for various industries under SRO regimes 
remain an important source of deviation from MFN rates. Scrutiny and analysis of the structure 
and level of Pakistan's tariffs are complicated by the number of exemptions, partial exemptions WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 39 - 
 
  and concessions which are announced separately through SROs and which do not affect the 
customs duty rate shown in the tariff schedule.  Other SROs detail whether certain products are 
exempted from sales and other domestic taxes, as well as rules and ordinances affecting imports. Imports by charitable organizations or in the context of humanitarian efforts and operations are 
not subject to customs duties. Although ot her government agencies are not exempted per se  from 
import restrictions, Section 5(A) of the 2013 Import Policy Order provides the required flexibility for most governmental institutions to circumvent such restrictions. Even though the FBR's website 
now features specific information on active as well as amended or archived SROs, it is very difficult 
to discern the applicable taxes and other measures imposed on individual tariff items that may be covered under multiple SROs with different exemptions and criteria. It has been argued that the distortions created by this web of exemptions result in a de facto licensing scheme by limiting 
regulations to a selected group of economic actors.
14  
3.26.  Since the last Review, the most prominent exem ptions applicable to the industrial sector 
were provided in three SROs15 accounting for 23% of Pakistan's imports in 2009-10.16 On average, 
companies or industries17 under these three SRO provisions received concessions up to around 
11 percentage points from the statutory rates, applied non-uniformly across industries.18 
In addition, a comprehensive scheme of exemptions  in the automotive sector, which discriminates 
by type of market (Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) versus after-sales parts), is 
implemented under SRO 656(I)/2006, auto-vendors under SRO 655(I)/2006 and SRO 693(I)/2006. Although the FBR website indicates that a number of SRO have been rescinded 
in 2014
19, the system of SROs continues to hamper transparency.  
3.27.  It remains difficult to provide a clear picture of which concessions/exemptions continue to 
operate and to assess their incidence. The extent to which new exemptions and concessions extend, replace or duplicate previous ones is of ten unclear as is the number of amendments that 
have been made to some of these SROs. Their use makes the tariff regime complex and less 
transparent. By altering the structure of tariff incentives unpredictably, with uncertain effects on resource allocation, these concessions and exemptions may counteract economic efficiency by 
raising tariff escalation and increasing effective rates of protection.  
3.28.  The cost of exemptions and concessions as  a result of import-related SROs amounted to 
PRs 137 billion during the financial year 2013-14. It is worth noting that Pakistan has committed to eliminate most tax or customs tariff exemptions or concessions granted through SROs and to 
approve legislation by end-December 2015 to perm anently prohibit the practice as part of the 
request for financial assistance from the IMF.
20 According to the IMF, the Government's budget 
proposal includes a commitment to bringing 30 sectors and 133 HS codes under the normal tariff 
regimes, withdrawing concessions for 138 industries, and setting the normal tariff rates for 
machinery and equipment imported by textile firm s. The FBR maintains lists of active SROs for 
both imports and exports. In the case of imports some 92 SROs remain active.21 It has been 
estimated that out of this overall number some 38 active trade-related concessionary SROs, 
introduced between 1991 and 2010 hamper trade, increase the cost of doing business and breed 
malpractice.22 The regime is complex, discriminatory and lacks transparency.  
                                               
14 Pursell G., Kahn A. and Gulzar S. (2011). 
15 SRO 565(I)/2006, SRO 567(I)/2006 and SRO 575(I)/2006. 
16 World Bank (2013a) . 
17 The exemptions under these three SROs cover se veral sectors, including chemicals, automotive, 
rubber and plastic industries as well as the agricultural sector. 
18 Ibid. 
19 See SRO 563(I)/2014 and SRO 564(I)/2014. 
20 IMF Press Release No. 14/46, 9 February 2014.  
21 Federal Board of Revenue online information. Viewed at: http://www.fbr.gov.pk/SROsImportA.aspx . 
The number of active export-related SROs is 29. 
22 Exclusive Pakistan Customs and Trade News Resource  online information. Press Release, "Operative 
concessionary SROs dent economy, Pakistan, IMF agree to phase out", 7 July 2013. Viewed at: http://customnews.pk/ . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 40 - 
 
  3.2.5  Other duties and charges affecting imports 
3.29.  Pakistan has bound other duties and charges at zero. On 26 June 2014, the Government 
circulated an SRO containing some 284 products on which a 5% regulatory import duty is levied23 
(Section 4.2).  
3.30.  Sales Tax at the general level of 17% is levied by the Federal Government under the Sales 
Tax Act, 1990, on the sale and supply of goods and certain services and on goods imported into 
Pakistan. The sales tax regime has been subject to frequent changes with almost one hundred 
SROs with implications for the sales tax regime issued between January 2012 and January 201524, 
including several providing for temporary exemptions or lower sales tax rates. The right to collect sales tax on services rests with the provinces, but appears to be administered centrally by the FBR. According to a recent IMF staff report, in th e context of its Extended Fund Facility Pakistan 
submitted a comprehensive package of reforms, including budget and tax proposals, in return for 
the release of a loan tranche of over US$550 million.
25 The budget proposal includes the 
elimination of certain SROs granting concessions on imported plants and machineries and 
33 additional items, plus trimming concessions for 21 sectors — to charge them the standard rate 
— and charge a higher, albeit still reduced, rate for the five export-oriented sectors. A second pillar of the budget package presented to the IMF sets a higher sales tax under the special regimes 
for steel smelters and ship breakers and a new tr eatment for beverages. For excises, higher taxes 
are envisaged on cigarettes, sugar, cement and air travel. 
3.31.  A Special Federal Excise Tax of 1% was introduced in 2007; it is applied to all goods and 
services, whether produced domestically or imported. Provincial excise taxes also apply. The 
SRO 655(I)/2007 specifies the goods and services that are excluded from this tax — these are 
food products, tractors, certain vehicles, and vehicle assembly kits. 
3.32.  A two-tiered excise tax was applied to ci garettes and other tobacco products on 4 June 2014 
(SRO 422(I)/2014).
26 Petroleum products are subject to different levies, for example PRs 10 per 
litre for motor gasoline (see also Section 4). 
3.2.6  Import prohibitions, quotas, restrictions, and licensing 
3.33.  The Federal Government may prohibit or restrict imports by notification in the official 
Gazette  (Customs Act, Section 16), and ban imports from all or any source, where deemed in the 
"public interest" (Import Policy Order 2013, Section 2127). These measures are contained in the 
Ministry of Commerce's Import Policy Order (Part A, Trade Policy). Import of all goods is allowed 
unless included in Appendix A (prohibited), Appendix B (restricted) or Appendix C (import 
restrictions for used/second-hand items). Any dispute or clarification with respect to the import status of any item, which may not be resolved by the Customs Authority, shall be referred to the 
Ministry of Commerce for final decision. 
3.34.  Pakistan is a signatory to the Basel Convention on Hazardous Wastes, the Rotterdam 
Convention on Trade in Hazardous Chemic als, the Montreal Protocol and CITES. 
3.2.6.1  Prohibitions 
3.35.  Pakistan continues to ban imports of a rang e of items, mainly for health, safety, security, 
moral and environmental reasons (see Table A3.2). Imports of alcoholic beverages
28, re-treaded 
and used pneumatic tyres, gambling equipment, a range of munitions, counterfeit products and 
                                               
23 SRO 568(I)/2014. 
24 Federal Board of Revenue online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.fbr.gov.pk/SROsAmending.aspx?Department=Sales%20Tax . 
25 IMF Country Report No. 14/184, July 2014. 
26 The two tiers were indicated as: PRs 880 per 1,000 cigarettes for cigarettes with a retail price less 
than or equal to PRs 2,286 per 1,000 sticks, and PRs 2,325 per 1,000 cigarettes for cigarettes with a retail price greater than PRs 2,286 per 1,000 sticks. However, on 1 July 2014, a subsequent notification (SRO 574(I)/2014) rescinded these taxes. 
27 The Import Policy Order 2013 (SRO 193(I)/2013, which entered into force on 8 March 2013, runs 
until 2015. 
28 The domestic brewery producing for the non-Mu slim market is a private monopoly. Alcoholic 
beverages may not be sold freely in Pakistan. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 41 - 
 
  CFC gas-based equipment remain banned, the latter since 31 December 2009.29 Imports of HCFC 
gases will be phased out progressively by 2040. An import ban is in place on live animals from BSE-infected countries as well as a ban on poultry and poultry products on account of the H5N1 Avian influenza.  
3.36.  Pakistan bans all imports from Israel or of Israeli origin as well as 1,209 items from India. 
In early 2014, Pakistan temporarily banned the import of gold to curb a sharp rise in smuggling.
30 
3.2.6.2  Restrictions and licensing 
3.37.  Some imports are restricted unless they meet certain conditions as specified in Appendix B 
of the Import Policy Order. These include prio r approval or clearance, clearing testing 
arrangements and complying with certain procedural requirements (Appendix B, Part 2). While these are mainly for health, safety, security and environmental reasons, including requiring 
compliance with Euro-II emission standards for some imported second-hand vehicles and 
restricting the import of vehicles older than five  years, a number of exemptions for other types of 
vehicles and importers continue to exist. For example, import of second-hand plant machinery by 
the construction, mining and petroleum sectors is allowed subject to prior certification by any of 
the pre-shipment inspection companies listed in Appendix D of the 2013 Import Policy Order. 
3.38.  Part II of Appendix B of the 2013 Import  Policy Order provides an overview of the 
procedural requirements for the importation of restricted items, including permissions, licences 
and registrations to be obtained. Pakistan has not submitted replies to the WTO Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures and would appear not to maintain an import licensing system within 
the meaning of Article 1.1 of the Agreement on Im port Licensing Procedures. Although no licences 
are required for the import of importable items, specific authorizations and No Objection 
Certificates (NOC) from a range of authorities must be obtained for import of products listed in Appendices B and C of the Import Policy Order.  
3.2.7  Anti-dumping, countervailin g, and safeguards measures 
3.39.  The NTC conducts anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguards investigations.
31 According 
to the authorities a new NTC Act, including revised Ordinances on anti-dumping, countervailing, 
and safeguards measures, is currently under consideration by the Cabinet. On 20 December 2011, 
an Appellate Tribunal was re-established.32 The Tribunal is composed of three individuals, i.e. a 
retired judge of the Supreme Court as the trib unal's Chairman and two individuals of known 
integrity with experience in the fields of econ omics, international trade and matters related to 
customs law and practices.33 The Appellate Tribunal will hear appeals against anti-dumping and 
countervailing decisions. Its decisions are final on facts, but may be appealed on matters of law to the High Court and, subsequently, the Supreme Court with respect to the imposition of anti-
dumping, countervailing and safeguard actions. According to the NTC, all its investigations are 
being challenged in domestic courts causing significant delays. 
3.2.7.1  Anti-dumping 
3.40.  During the period 2007 to end-2013 Pakistan has conducted 58 anti-dumping 
investigations
34 and imposed 31 measures. Over the same period, 16 anti-dumping actions have 
been terminated. By end-June 2014, Pakistan had imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on eight 
products (i.e. secondary quality tin-plate, hydrog en peroxide, phthalic anhydride, formic acid, 
                                               
29 The import ban on goods is not applicable to th e Federal Government for defence purposes, foreign 
diplomatic missions in Paki stan and individual ministries, divisions,  departments, provin cial governments and 
other government agencies.  
30 Ministry of Finance online information. Viewed at: http://www.finance.gov.pk/releases_jul_13.html . 
31 The respective legislation is the Anti-Dumping  Ordinance, 2000 and Anti-Dumping Duties Rules, 
2001; Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Act, 2011; Countervailing Duties Ordinance 2001 and the 
Countervailing Duties Rules, 2002; and the Safeguard Measures Ordinance, 2002 and the Safeguard Measures 
Rules, 2003. 
32 Originally implemented in March 2003 and terminated six months later. 
33 Act No. F. 22 (29)/2008-Legis Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Act, 2011; WTO documents 
G/ADP/N/1/PAK/2/Suppl.3 and G/SCM/N/1/PAK/2/Suppl.3, 4 April 2012. 
34 Three anti-dumping initiations in 2008, followed by 23 in 2009, 11 in 2010, seven in 2011, five in 
2012, and six in 2013. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 42 - 
 
  paper board, BOPP film, polyester filament yarn, polyester staple fibre, PVC resin) from 
19 countries (Table 3.4).  
3.2.7.2  Countervailing 3.41.  Pakistan initiated its first countervailing investigation on 23 November 2011 on 
writing/printing paper against Indonesia and Th ailand. The investigation was suspended by the 
Peshawar High Court's instruction for almost one year.
35 The measure was terminated on 
3 June 2014 without imposition of duties.36  
3.2.7.3  Safeguards 
3.42.  Pakistan has taken no safeguard actions. Table 3.4 Anti-dumping actions, June 2014 
Country Product Initiation Provisional 
measures Final measures Dumped 
imports as % 
domestic 
consumption 
A. For six months ending June 2014 
Irana Wall and floor tiles 30.07.13    
Kenyab Soda ash 21.01.11 08.06.12 of 
19.82%  8.34 
Korea, Rep. of Polyvinyl chloride 18.11.13  Terminated on 
15.5.14  
Malaysiac Wall and floor tiles 30.07.13    
Spainc Wall and floor tiles 30.07.13    
Switzerlandd Pegylated 
interferon Alpha-2A 14.12.12    
Chinese Taipei Polyvinyl chloride 18.11.13  Terminated on 
15.5.14  
United Arab 
Emiratesc Wall and floor tiles 30.07.13    
B. Outstanding definitive duties, end-June 2014  Date of 
extension 
Belgium Secondary quality tin plate 14.11.09  
 Hydrogen peroxide 06.07.11  
Brazil Phthalic anhydride 30.09.10  
China Hydrogen peroxide 06.07.11  
 Formic acid 85% 10.02.12  
 Paperboard 27.12.12  
 BOPP film 07.02.13  
Finland Formic acid 09.03.06 17.02.12 
France Secondary quality tin plate 14.11.09  
Germany Formic acid 09.03.06 17.02.12 
 Secondary quality tin plate 14.11.09  
India Phthalic anhydride 13.02.06 10.12.11 
Indonesia Polyester staple fibre 09.02.07 30.01.13 
 Phthalic anhydride 30.09.10  
 Hydrogen peroxide 06.07.11  
 Paperboard 27.12.12  
Iran PVC resin 26.10.04 30.09.10
 Phthalic anhydride 05.08.13  
Italy Phthalic anhydride 05.08.13  
Korea, Rep. of PVC Resin 26.10.04 30.09.10 
 Polyester staple fibre 09.02.07 30.01.13 
 Phthalic anhydride 30.09.10  
 Hydrogen peroxide 06.07.11  
 Formic acid 85% 10.02.12  
 Paperboard 27.12.12  
Netherlands Secondary quality tin-plate 14.11.09  
Oman BOPP film 07.02.13  
                                               
35 WTO document G/SCM/N/267/PAK, 4 March 2014. 
36 WTO document G/SCM/N/274/PAK, 29 August 2014. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 43 - 
 
  Country Product Initiation Provisional 
measures Final measures Dumped 
imports as % 
domestic 
consumption 
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of BOPP film 07.02.13  
Chinese Taipei Phthalic anhydride 30.09.10  
 Hydrogen peroxide 06.07.11  
 Paperboard 27.12.12  
Thailand Polyester staple fibre 09.02.07 30.01.13
 Hydrogen peroxide 06.07.11  
 Phthalic anhydride 05.08.13  
Turkey Hydrogen peroxide 06.07.11  
United Arab 
Emirates BOPP film 07.02.13  
United States Secondary quality tin plate 14.11.09  
a Investigation was challenged in domestic court. On court's decision it was re-initiated on 
26 September 2011. The NTC has not been able to take a decision due to absence of a quorum of the Commission.  
b The Lahore High Court has granted stay on the fi nal order of the Commission. All investigation steps 
have been completed. Arguments of lawyers simi larly completed. However,  the judgement of the 
Court is reserved for two ye ars and is still pending. 
c The NTC has not been able to take a decision du e to absence of a quorum of the Commission. The 
Sindh High Court has stopped the investigation after preliminary determination.  
Source:  WTO documents G/ADP/N/252/PAK, 28 February 2014; G/ADP/N/252/PAK/Corr.1, 11 March 2014; 
and G/ADP/N/259/PAK, 29 August 2014,  "Semi-annual Report Under Ar ticle 16.4 of the Agreement, 
Pakistan", and the National Tariff Commission. 
3.2.8  Standards and other technical requirements 
3.2.8.1  Standards and quality certification 
3.43.  The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA)37 was established in 1996 
under the Ministry of Science and Technology and is the national standardization body.38 
Since December 2000, it has been responsible for the formulation of Pakistan standards as well as 
their promulgation. The PSQCA develops and adop ts standards and provides conformity/testing 
assessments. It advises the Government on standardization policies, programmes and activities to promote industrial efficiency and development, as well as consumer safety and health. It is the 
focal point for national, regional and international organizations and institutions such as ISO, IEC 
and Codex Alimentarius, and its Karachi office is the National Enquiry Point (NEP) for the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
39 
3.44.  3.44. Pakistan, as a member of ISO, IEC, and the International Organization of Legal 
Metrology (OIML), continues to harmonize standards with international requirements. As at 
November 2014, it has some 30,927 standard specifications (up from some 27,000 in 2008) covering mainly agriculture, foodstuffs, chemicals, civil and mechanical engineering and textiles. 
According to the PSQCA these are generally harmonized with international/regional standards. Of 
these, 15,700 are ISO standards, 6,370 are IEC/OIML standards and 8,857 are national standards which, according to the authorities, are often based on regional or UK standards.  
3.45.  Imports are subject to the same national  quality standards or regulations as similar 
domestically made goods.
40 Appendix N of the 2013 Import Policy Order contains a list of 78 
products under the Compulsory Certification Mark License Scheme which must meet Pakistan standards on human safety and public health at the import stage.
41 These goods must have a 
Certification Mark issued by the PSQCA to be made, stocked or sold domestically and domestic 
manufacturers and exporters to Pakistan must be registered with the PSQCA to ensure compliance. 
                                               
37 Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Au thority online information. Viewed at: http://psqca.com.pk . 
38 PSQCA ACT No. VI, 1996. 
39 Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Au thority online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.psqca.com.pk/about/activities.htm . 
40 Import Policy Order 2013, Section 5B (ii). 
41 The list includes a wide range of products, includ ing fruit juices, food for infants, gas appliances, 
various cooking oils, cement-related products etc. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 44 - 
 
  Imports and domestic goods undergo the same co nformity testing procedures. PSQCA also sets 
mandatory standards, generally in line with in ternational requirements (e.g. WHO and CAC) for 
public health and safety (mainly on food an d exports). The PSQCA has some 52 registered 
inspection agencies and a total of 22 laboratories undertaking quality control services.42 
3.46.  The Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) operates under the administrative 
control of the Ministry of Science and Technology and is the national accreditation body for testing laboratories and other conformity assessment faci lities. Standards are elaborated by one of the 
PSQCA's eleven national entities and their technical committees. Draft standards are circulated 
among stakeholders for comments. PNAC has Mutual Recognition Arrangements with the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC). Pakistan has concluded eleven mutual recognition agreements 
with other countries and is included in the list of countries having equivalent status for 
accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories and certification bodies for Quality Management Systems (QMS), i.e. ISO-9000, an d Environmental Management Systems (EMS), 
i.e. ISO-14000. 
3.47.  As the national accreditation body for testing laboratories and other conformity assessment 
facilities, PNAC applies international standards and has accredited 59 testing and calibration 
laboratories, including in pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, engineering and food. Another 
agency, the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) also provides testing facilities (mainly to exporters).  
3.48.  Pakistan has submitted 59 notifications to the WTO under the TBT Agreement covering 
health and safety standards adopted, covering main ly sampling and testing procedures as well as 
labelling, packaging, storage and transport of a number of food and other products. The authorities indicate that additional notifications are under preparation. No specific trade concerns 
have been raised with respect to Pakistan's TBT measures. 
3.2.8.2  Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements 3.49.  The National Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (NAPHIS), under the Ministry of 
National Food Security and Research,
 is the notification authority and enquiry point under the SPS 
Agreement. Pakistan has adopted no new SPS-related legislation since its last Review. However, a proposed Phytosanitary Act was drafted in 2012 and remains pending. The Act, which the authorities anticipate will be adopted shortly, would formally establish NAPHIS which currently 
operates without an adopted legal foundation. NAPHIS responsibilities include regulating food 
safety, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and the adoption of the Act would create a much- needed nationally integrated regulatory framework.  Table 3.5 provides an overview of the relevant 
institutions in the area of food security in Pakistan.  
3.50.  Pakistan is member of Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Organization for Animal 
Health (International Office of Epizootics), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and 
the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission. The principal domestic statutes governing SPS 
measures are the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act of 1937, the Agriculture Pesticide Ordinance 1971, Pakistan Plant Quarantine Act 1976, Pakistan Animal Quarantine Ordinance 1979 
and Pakistan Fish Inspection and Quality Contro l Act 1997. The Department of Customs and Plant 
Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) are the two main agencies involved in regulating food imports, 
while the Department of Animal Quarantine (DAQ) is responsible for regulating imports and exports of animals and animal products. The Customs Department's primary functions are to 
ensure that imported foods meet Pakistan's la belling and shelf-life requirements and prevent 
imports of banned items. PPQ ensures that shipment of bulk commodities (e.g. dairy) meet phytosanitary requirements while DAQ is responsible for enforcing sanitary requirements for live 
animal shipments.  
                                               
42 11 in Karachi, 9 in Lahore and 2 in Peshawar. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table 3.5 Institutions concerned with food safety in Pakistan 
Institutions Principal areas of responsibility 
1. Ministry of National Food Security and Research 
Animal Husbandry Commissioner Chief Veterinarian of Pakist an, disease surveillance and 
control; epidemiology, drugs and vaccines; dairy sector 
Department of Animal Quaranti ne  Animal health conditions  for import and export; meat 
inspection for exported meat/casings. Controls at 
border inspection posts. Under Animal Quarantine 
(Import and Export of Anim al Products Ordinance, 
1979) 
National Veterinary Laboratory Disease surveillance; veterinary drug testing; 
vaccination quality and residue testing 
Department of Plant Protection Import/expor t controls at 26 border inspection posts 
for plant pests/diseases. Operates under Plant 
Quarantine Act 1976. Responsible for authorization of 
pesticides (Pesticide Ordinance 1971) 
Grain Quality Testing Laboratory Sampling and testing for import and export of grains 
(and other foods); pesticide residue & aflatoxin testing 
National Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
(NAPHIS) 2012 draft bill foresees NAPHIS to be responsible for 
development of policy, initiate legislation, and ensure 
efficient enforcement 
2. Ministry of Science and Technology  
Pakistan Standards and Qu ality Control Authority 
(PSQCA) The PSQCA, under the Ministry of Science and 
Technology, is the national standardization body. 
Responsible for enforcement of  standards. Inspects and 
tests products and servic es for their quality, 
specification and characteri stics during use, and for 
import and export purposes 
3. Ministry of Health  
National Institute of Health Communic ation with provinces on food safety 
4. Ministry of Commerce  
Customs Department Ensure  that imported food meets Pakistan's labelling 
and shelf-life requirements, and are not on the list of 
banned items (Import Po licy Order annexes) 
5. Provincial governments  
Department of Health Food safety in retail/catering and processing 
establishments for national market 
Department of Plant Protection Plant pest and disease surveillance; control on use and 
distribution of pesticides 
Livestock/Dairy Departments Meat & dairy in spection at farm/ sl aughterhouse/dairy; 
poultry and eggs inspection at producer level 
Source: Compiled by the WTO Secretariat.  
3.51.  As a result of Pakistan's 18th constitutional Amendment which devolved several functions to 
the provinces, Pakistan's food imports are regulated by the federal government while standard 
compliance of local production is a provincial responsibility. According to the authorities, provincial governments follow federal guidelines when adopti ng such regulations. The provinces do not have 
the authority to issue import-related SPS measures. Pakistan has ratified the Cartagena Protocol of 
Biosafety, which came into force in May 2009, and maintains a framework of handling Genetically 
Modified Organisms (GMOs). A maximum of 1,000 kilos of genetically modified (GM) seeds are allowed to be imported for research purposes only. Pakistan's only notification to the WTO under 
the SPS Agreement was submitted in January 2000, as a notification of emergency measures.
43 
However, a number of measures have been implemented, including as regular procedures under current legislation or as bans and restrictions through statutory notifications in Import Policy 
Orders. Although these measures have not been notified to the WTO, the authorities expressed 
confidence that this would happen within a few months. Since 2001, Pakistan has imposed an import ban on live animals and a range of animal products originating in several European countries
44 based on the risk of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). This restriction was 
                                               
43 WTO document G/SPS/N/PAK/1, 6 January 2000. 
44 The included countries were Aust ria, Belgium, Czech Republic, De nmark, France, Germany, Italy, 
Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 46 - 
 
  reconfirmed in Import Policy Orders in 2006, 200 9 and 2013. In July 2014, the 2013 Import Policy 
Order was amended45 to exempt from that restriction those countries which have been declared as 
"Negligible Risk" by the IOE and if the animals were only from herds where no incidence of BSE had been reported for the last eleven years. Poul try, poultry products and other captive live birds 
from some African, Asian and European countries are also banned for import on account of the 
Avian Influenza H5N1 strain.
46 Health and safety requirements are also imposed on some 
commodities. The import of these goods is not pr ohibited, but quarantine, inspections and testing 
requirements may affect trade. Current measures, included in the 2013 Import Policy Order, are 
summarized in Table 3.6. 
Table 3.6 SPS related import restrictions 
Commodities Conditions 
Live animals, an imal semen and 
embryos Quarantine requirement of Animal Quar antine Department of Ministry of 
National Food Security and Research 
Fish and fishery products Quarantine requirement of Marine and Fishery Department of Ministry of 
National Food Security and Research 
All species of plants and parts 
thereof Compliance of phytosanitary requir ements and drawing of samples and 
testing quality by Department of Plant Protection and Federal Seed 
Certification Agency of Ministry of National Food Security and Research 
Seeds i. Subject to drawing of samples an d testing quality by Department of 
Plant Protection and Federal Seed Certification Agency; 
ii. Import of rice seeds is subject to  quarantine measures under the Seed 
Act 1976; 
iii. Import of opium poppy seeds is allowed from those countries where it 
is legally produced; 
iv. Cotton seeds are importable with prior approval of the Ministry of 
National Food Security and Research 
Fresh and dry fruits, and whole 
red chillies Subject to production of aflatoxi n report to the effect that the 
consignment is free from any pests or diseases, to be certified by the 
Department of Plant Protection 
Betel nuts (Areca) Subject to phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authorities 
of the country of origin confirming that the exported goods are free from 
infestation and are fit for human consumption 
Wheat Subject to the specifications notifi ed by the Ministry of National Food 
Security and Research and subject to pre-shipment inspection by authorized agencies 
Source: Appendix B, Import Policy Order 2013. 
3.52.  No specific trade concerns have been ra ised with respect to Pakistan's SPS measures. 
3.2.8.3  Marking, labelling and packaging 
3.53.  No uniform labelling and marking system is  in place in Pakistan and there have been no 
relevant changes from the last Review. The requirements that apply to certain goods are part of 
Import Policy Orders, and include the following: cigars and cigarettes (of tobacco or of tobacco 
substitutes) packets should carry the warning "Smoking is injurious to heath" in English and Urdu. Dyes and chemicals must be marked with a full description, including quality and code numbers. Food colors must carry fair and true labelling about the product in both languages. Edible products 
should have at least six months or 50% of the shelf life, whichever is the lesser, calculated from 
the date of filing of the Import General Manife st (IGM) and also that they are free of Haram 
elements or ingredients. If these conditions are not shown on the packaging, a certificate issued 
by the manufacturers is accepted by customs.  Pharmaceutical raw materials and drugs and 
medicines should have at least 75% of the shelf life calculated from the date of filing of the IGM. If indication is not given on the packing, the custom authorities may allow clearance. All imported 
packaged medicines or drugs should display the name and prescription material in accordance with 
the Drugs (Labelling and Packaging) Rules 1986. 
3.54.  Labelling of GMOs does not seem to rest on a clear legal framework at the federal level. The 
18
th constitutional Amendment placed the area of environment under the legal responsibility of 
provincial governments. A legal vacuum appears to exist in terms of who may issue regulations 
                                               
45 Ministry of Commerce, Order SRO 646(I)/2014, 18 July 2014. 
46 Import Policy Order 2013. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  and licences in the area of GMOs.47 Under the Telecom Act 1996 (Section 29), no terminal 
equipment can be directly or indirectly connected with PSTN unless it has been type approved by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Ty pe approval granted by PTA signifies that a 
particular telecommunication equipment is approved for general sale and is suitable to connect 
with a specific public telecommunication netw ork. Under Type Approval Regulations, 2004 
(amended in 2006) all approved equipment shall be marked distinctly labelling instructions in accordance with Section 22 of that same regulation.
48 
3.3  Measures Directly Affecting Exports 
3.55.  The Government's Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-15 (STPF), the second triennial of 
its kind, was introduced as an initiative to provide Pakistan's businesses and trading partners with greater predictability and as a means eliminating frequent policy shifts.
49 A significant theme in the 
STPF is the Government's stated ambition to strengthen Pakistan's export competitiveness directly 
and indirectly through the introduction of policies and institutions to facilitate exports.50 
3.56.  The Imports and Exports (Control) Act of 1950 provides the original foundation of Pakistan's 
export policy. Introduced on 8 March 2013, the Export Policy Order SRO 192(I)/2013 provides the 
latest update on the rules and regulations pertaining to exports from Pakistan. 
3.3.1  Registration, documentation, clea rance, inspection, and minimum prices  
3.57.  The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) under the Ministry of Commerce 
succeeded the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in 2006 and has pursued a more holistic strategy with respect to global trade development compared to its predecessor. TDAP is the implementing institution of various trade policy initiatives announced by the Commerce Ministry. 
3.58.  Exporters must have a national tax number and a sales tax registration number. In general, 
exporters do not have to be registered with TDAP. However, all exporters of food products must be 
registered with their respective associations and, if no such entity exists, mandatory registration 
with TDAP is required.
51 Reforms to expedite the flow of trade have made incremental progress 
since 1998, but the launch of Pakistan Customs WeBOC system appear to have provided a more complete and largely automated platform, including a risk management system, upon which 
customs clearance of exports may now be evaluate d. According to the authorities, 98% of all 
exports cargo is presently cleared through the green and yellow channels which allows for a speedier release of the products and does not in volve a physical examination of the consignment. 
Exports passing through the red channel incur a physical inspection and assessment with delays of 
2-4 days on average. According to the authorities, exports require five documents, i.e. bill-of-
lading, commercial invoice, customs export declar ation, e-form and packing list. According to the 
World Bank's Doing Business survey for 2014, expo rting a standard container of goods requires 
eight documents, takes 21 days and costs US$660. The authorities emphasize that while delays 
beyond the average 2-4 days are characteristic of the red channel, additional delays can be attributed to congested ports and administrative procedures not associated with customs. The FBR 
monitors exports to Afghanistan through its 13 field Collectorates. In addition, a separate 
Directorate of Transit Trade has been created by th e FBR to monitor all transit activity to and from 
Afghanistan. Transit goods are not subject to any rebate, duty drawback or refund. According to 
the Export Policy Order 2013
52; special procedures and authorized border crossings must be used. 
All goods not manufactured in bond may be exported  to Afghanistan or, in transit, to Central Asian 
                                               
47 The Dawn , "Court stops regulator from issuing licences for "modified" seeds", 14 May 2014. Viewed 
at: http://www.dawn.com/news/1106195 . 
48 SRO 797(I)/2004 and amendment SRO 748(I)/2006. 
49 Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan (2013). 
50 The major export-related elements of STPF 2012-2015 are: (i) focus on regional trade; 
(ii) strengthening of the institutional framework for promotion of exports; (iii) creation of regulatory 
efficiencies; (iv) export developmen t initiatives, and (v) increase ex ports from less developed regions of 
Pakistan. 
51 For example, rice exporters must belong to the Rice Exporters' Asso ciation. Exporters of horticultural 
commodities must be registered with the Pakist an Horticulture Developm ent and Export Board. 
52 SRO 192(I)/2013, Section 7. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Republics. However, those exported in rupees or contained on a negative list (Export Policy Order, 
Schedule III) are ineligible for zero-rating on sales tax, excise tax rebates, or tariff drawback.53 
3.59.  Export contract registration with TDAP re mains a requirement for export of cotton. Quality 
(pre-shipment) inspection of basmati rice remains in place and is undertaken by the Ministry of 
Commerce and the Rice Exporters Association Pakistan (REAP). In addition, rice exports are 
subject to minimum export prices (see Section 4). Hot water treatment for mangoes to be exported to the European Union is mandatory. While PSQCA has legislative quality inspection and 
testing responsibilities for exports, its role is apparently relatively minor. 
3.60.  Jewellery and gemstone exporters must be registered with TDAP in order to import gold 
duty and tax free
54. The export of gold jewellery must take place within 120 days of importing the 
gold; failing that, duties and taxes plus a 5% penalty for the first month and 10% thereafter are 
imposed. Unless sales receipts are realized within 240 days from export, a monthly 1% penalty of 
sale proceeds is incurred. 
3.3.2  Export taxes, charges and levies  
3.61.  Although export taxes are not permitted (S ection 18(2), Customs Act), the FBR may impose 
"regulatory duties" of up to 100% on exports, by notification without parliamentary approval (Section 18(3)).
55 The Federal Board of Revenue maintains a list of active notifications on exports, 
including export duties.56 Table 3.7 provides an overview of cu rrent export duties which are levied 
on the f.o.b. value. 
Table 3.7 Active expo rt-related SROs  
SRO number Title and products covered Issue date 
1  (I)/2010 Imposing of regulatory duty at the rate of 25% ad valorem  on export of 
waste and scrap of copper and alum inium and on bars, rods, ingots, 
slabs, and billets 13-03-2010 
2 594(I)/2009 Regulatory duty at the rate of 25% ad valorem  levied on export of 
goods classifiable under the H.S. codes 78.02 (lead waste and scrap, 78.01 (unwrought lead), 78.06 (other articles of lead), 78.04 (lead plates etc.), 85.48 (waste  and scrap of primary cells, batteries etc.) 25-06-2009 
3 321(I)/2009 Regulatory duty at the rate of 15% ad valorem  shall be levied on export 
of molasses with immediate effect 10-04-2009 
4 482(I)/2007 Regulatory 25% duty on ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap 09-06-2007 
5 492(I)/2006 35% Regulatory duty on export of pulses 26-05-2006 
6 1011(I)/2005 20% Regulatory duty on export of raw and wet blue hides 27-09-2005 
Source: Federal Board of Revenue. 
3.62.  The authorities indicate that such measures are used to control supply of commodities for 
local consumption and not as a means to raise revenue or assist domestic users of these goods. However, export taxes and duties implicitly subsidize users of affected goods by reducing their 
domestic prices.  
3.63.  Since 2003, an export development charge of  0.25% of the f.o.b. value has been levied on 
all exports to finance the Export Marketing Development Fund (EMDF).
57 Exporters pay a 1% 
income withholding tax instead of income tax. Exports from EPZs are exempt as are certain 
products depending on specific SROs, for example in the case of cement.  
3.3.3  Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 3.64.  Under Section 3 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, the Government may 
prohibit, restrict, or control exports. The Ministry of Commerce announces export policies and 
                                               
53 Ibid. 
54 SRO 760(I)/2013. 
55 The Customs Act 1969 (as amended up to 30 June 2013), Federal Board of Revenue.  
56 Federal Board of Revenue online information. Viewed at: http://www.fbr.gov.pk/SROsExportA.aspx . 
57 SRO 10(I)/2003, Notification from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Revenue. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  measures at budget time as part of its Trade Policy (Part B, Export Policy Order). Exports are 
allowed unless otherwise indicated in Schedules I or II of the Export Policy Order.58 
3.3.3.1  Export prohibitions 3.65.  Export prohibitions focus on health, social, moral, or environmental grounds under 
international treaties e.g. CITES.
59 They also cover exports of wood and timber, certain chemicals, 
counterfeit products, pulses, gram and gram flour, sugar, fissionable material, liquor, urea, various 
fertilizers, charcoal and firewood, sann he mp, anti-personnel landmines and antiquities.60 Exports 
to Israel are banned. Exports of livestock have been banned since 1 October 2013 (see Section 4). 
Exports of imported goods in their original and unprocessed form are generally prohibited with the 
exception of a number of products as listed in Section 9, Export Policy Order 2013.  
3.3.3.2  Export licensing and restrictions 
3.66.  According to TDAP, export licences no longer exist. The export of certain products is 
permitted only if certain conditions are met (Table 3.8).  
Table 3.8 Exports subject to certain conditions 
 HS Code Item/goods Condition/procedure/formalities 
1 0102.0000 
0104.0000 0106.1900 Livestock As per procedure and conditions by Ministry of National Food 
Security and Research (SRO 969(I)/2013) 
2 0103.0000 
0203.0000 
4103.3000 Wild boars, their meat and 
skin 
 Permissible only by non-Muslim exporters 
3 0106.0000 Pet dogs and cats Allowed on issuance of Quarantine Certificate about health 
and caging by the Animal Plant Quarantine Department 
4 0703.1000 Onions Allowed except through land route via Wagah to India  
5 0804.5020 Mango (i) Export to Europe, Ca nada, Iran, China, the State of Kuwait 
and Bahrain by air only in specified standardized packaging (ii) Export shall not be allowed before 20 May unless otherwise specified by Ministry of Commerce 
6 0805.2010 Kino (fresh) The export of Citrus Hybrid (Kino) shall not be allowed before 
1 December 
7 1006.0000 Rice Subject to the conditions and procedures specified by the 
Ministry of Commerce  
8 1207.9100 Poppy seeds Allowed if imported from the countries where opium poppy is 
grown licitly 
9 1516.1000 
1516.2010 1516.2020 1518.0000 Vegetable ghee and cooking 
oil  (i) Export shall be allowed (excluding that manufactured in 
manufacturing bonds and export oriented units in case of exports to Afghanistan only) provided there is value addition of 15% for edible uses in packs up to 25 litres for cooking oil and 25 kilograms for vegetable ghee. However, 50% value addition in ghee & cooking oil in non-edible uses in packs up to half litre or half kilogram; (ii) Containers or packages exported to Afghanistan must contain ingredient information printed in "Dari" and "Pushto" languages; (iii) Bulk export of indigenous oils (sun flower, canola and 
cotton seed) 
10 5201.0000 Cotton 
 (i) Export contract registration with TDAP and classification 
certificate issued by the Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute  
11 Respective 
headings Metals Export of metals by foreign enterprises is governed by a 
special mechanism identified by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources for checking the prices, etc. 
12 Respective 
headings Arms, ammunition, explosives 
and ingredients thereof No objection certificate (NOC) from Ministry of Defence 
Production  
 
13 Respective 
headings Goods, technologies, material 
and equipment related to nuclear and biological 
weapons and their delivery 
systems As per provisions of the "Export Control on Goods, 
Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 
(V of 2004)" 
                                               
58 SRO 192(I)/2013. 
59 In addition to wildlife, prohibited exports also  cover alcoholic beverages, wood and timber, and 
counterfeit products (Trade Policy 2012-15, Part B, Export Policy Order, Schedule I). 
60 In a few cases, a waiver for export ma y be issued by a specified authority. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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   HS Code Item/goods Condition/procedure/formalities 
14 Respective 
headings Complete Rocket and 
Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) 
systems and their parts (i) NOC from Ministry of Defence Production; 
(ii) As per provisions of the "Export Control on Goods, 
Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and 
Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 
(V of 2004) 
15 Respective 
headings Nuclear substances, 
radioactive materials and any other substance or item covered by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2001 (III of 2001) (i) As per procedure notified by the Pakistan Nuclear 
Regulatory Authority; (ii) As per provisions of the "Export Control on Goods, Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 (V of 2004)" 
16 Respective 
headings Equipment used for 
production, use or application 
of nuclear energy or activity 
including generation of 
electricity and spares related 
to these (i) As per procedure notified by the Pakistan Nuclear 
Regulatory Authority; 
(ii) As per provisions of the "Export Control on Goods, 
Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and 
Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 
(V of 2004)" 
17 Respective 
headings Precious and semi-precious 
stones and gold jewelry As per special procedure notified in the Ministry of Commerce 
Import and Export of Gold, Gold Jewellery and Gemstone Order, 2001 vide SRO 266(I)/2001, dated 7 May 2001 
18 Respective 
headings Surgical instruments Subject to test report to be issued by the Sialkot Material 
Testing Laboratory 
19 Respective 
headings Fruits in retail packing Gross weight to be indicated 
Source: Export Policy Order 2013, Ministry of Commerce. 
3.3.4  Export subsidies and support  
3.67.  Since its last Review, Pakistan has not notified the WTO of any subsidy within the meaning 
of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, nor any subsidy that operated 
directly or indirectly to increase exports from or reduce imports into its territory within the meaning of Article XVI:1 of GATT 1994. Direct ex port assistance is financed through the EMDF
61, 
which is fully funded from the Export Development Surcharge charged to exporters at 0.25% of 
the f.o.b. value of shipments.62 Collections from the surcharge generated over PRs 5 billion from 
2010 to 2014. Exports benefit from income tax concessions with exporters paying 1% income 
withholding tax instead of income tax. Exports are exempt from Sales Tax. While the tax base of 
gross f.o.b. receipts substantially exceeds taxable net income on which company tax would be levied, the difference in tax rates (company tax rate of 35%) suggests possible sizeable subsidies for profitable exporters.  
3.68.  The FBR administers the general duty drawback scheme in place for exporters
63 and 
maintains an updated list of the export sectors covered.64 All registered taxpayers having business 
activity manufacturer-cum-exporter may apply for the refund online at the FBR.65 During 2013-14, 
PRs 7,979 million was paid as duty drawback amo unting to 3% of total customs duty collection.66 
The TDAP lists a number of incentives and faciliti es which are generally available for exporters. A 
number of other facilities are provided to expo rters, for example the use of common warehouses, 
payments of commission to agents, subsidies for the opening of offices abroad, duty drawback and 
marketing assistance.67 In the context of the STPF 2012-15, TDAP is planning to provide subsidies 
for the opening of retail outlets/warehouses in selected regions, including Australia, Asia and Africa. In addition to these incentives and facili ties, the TDAP lists a number of specific measures 
to assist export sectors which are in operation and which receive funds from the EMDF (Box 3.1). 
                                               
61 The EDF was established in 1999 by Parliament through the Export Development Fund Act, 
No. F. 22(112)97-Legis. The Act was amended in 2005 and 2013, when the EDF became the Export Marketing Development Fund (EMDF). 
62 The export surcharge was introduced in the Finance Act of 1991, although it did not specify if the 
collected amount was to be employed  for the developm ent of exports. 
63 Clause (c) of Section 21 of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), and in supersession of its Notification 
No. SRO 930(I)/2007, provides the FBR with these powers. 
64 Federal Board of Revenue online information. Viewed at: http://www.fbr.gov.pk/SROsExportA.aspx . 
65 Federal Board of Revenue online information. Viewed at: https://e.fbr.gov.pk . 
66 FBR, Revenue Division. 
67 Trade and Development Authority of Paki stan online information. Viewed at : 
http://www.tdap. gov.pk/faqs.php . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Box 3.1 Incentives, subsidies and facilities 
2009–12 
 
Budget for the 2009-12 programme was PRs 3 billion 
 
25% freight subsidy on live seafood 
 
6% R&D support on export of processed food 
 
25% subsidy of setting up of design centres and laboratories (leather)  
 
50% subsidy in obtaining safety standards certification in exporting markets (industrial products)  
 
50% subsidy for cost of obtaining halal certification 
 
Subsidy towards upgrading abattoirs/slaughterhouses operated by local governments 
 
Subsidy on medical representative salary to facilitate pharmaceutical exports 
 
50% Subsidy on pharmaceutical product registration in foreign countries 
 
50% Subsidy on Bio - Equivalence/Bio - Availability Studies on the Pharmaceutical Products  
 
25-75% subsidy towards cost of opening retail sales outlets abroad 
 
50% subsidy for rental and staff in connection with opening exporters office abroad 
 
50-100% subsidy for gaining compliance certification (e.g. ISO) 
 
Subsidy warehousing scheme for 1 year (1st quarter: 100% - 4th quarter: 25%) 
 
Up to 50% subsidy on loans in connection with maintaining cold storage for horticultural products 
 
Protocol passes to airport lounges for leading exporters (over US$12.5 million) 
 
25% inland freight subsidy on exports of engineering goods 
 
50% subsidy towards relocation of textiles and leather industries  
 
100% cost of consultancy services for development of ce rtified/accredited testing facilities for international 
acceptability 
 
2012–15a  
 
50% subsidy on the cost of plants and machinery for processing of meat 
 
50% subsidy on the cost of processing-plants and machinery for adding value to olives and dates from Khyber 
Pakhtun Khwa, FATA and Balochistan  
 
50% subsidy for wire saw cutting machinery to reduce wastages for establishing mining and processing in KPK, FATA, 
GB and Balo 
chistan 
 
Ad-hoc  subsidy at 3% of f.o.b. value to offset the impact of cost of utilities for exporters in selected sectors 
a Measures have been announced, but are not yet implemented. 
Source: TDAP online information. Viewed at: http://www.tdap.gov.pk/public-notice.php . 
3.69.  The EMDF has been under increased scrutiny in the media and a number of articles critical 
of the transparency of the Fund appeared in early 2014.68 Allegations in the press include that the 
EMDF has become a slush fund for the Government and that Pakistan cannot afford to tax its struggling exports. These initiatives aim to increase Pakistan's exports from US$65 billion in 
2009-2012 to US$95 billion by 2012-15. The Government has allocated a total of PRs 26 billion for 
the implementation of these initiatives over the three-year period. 
                                               
68 The Express Tribune , "Export Development Fund: Let it go". Viewed at: 
http://tribune.com.pk/story/678035/export-development-fund-let-it-go/ ; and "Hurting interests: Export 
Development Fund – a slush fund?", Islamabad, 2 and 9 March 2014. Viewed at: 
http://tribune.com.pk/story/680753/hurting-interests-export-development-fund-a-slush-fund/ . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  3.3.5  Export finance, insurance and guarantees 
3.70.  The Long Term Financing Facility (LTFF) of  the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is aimed at 
providing concessional financing to facilitate export growth. Under the scheme, Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) provide long-term financing of up to ten years. This includes granting 
borrowers for import of machinery as well as purchase of locally-manufactured machinery for 
export-oriented projects, a maximum grace period of two years. The SBP provides 100% refinance to the banks/DFIs on their disbursements under the scheme. The borrower has the option of 
borrowing for up to 3 years, 5 years and 10 years, at financing rates of 9% p.a.
69 The facility is 
available to export-oriented projects whose annual export is equivalent to a minimum of US$5 million or at least 50% of their sales constituti ng exports, whichever is lower. Eligible sectors 
include textiles and garments, rice processing, leather and leather products, sports goods, carpets 
and wools, surgical instruments, fisheries, poul try and meat, fruits and vegetables (processing), 
cereals, IT and software services, marble and granite, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, ethanol, furniture, pharmaceutical products, glass, dairy and soda ash. The maximum borrowing 
limit of an individual export oriented project is PRs 1,5 billion under SBP's LTFF. Outstanding 
financing under LTFF at the end of June 2014 was PRs 41,78 billion.
70  
3.71.  In recognition of the need for exporters to have access to trade financing support it has 
been decided to establish an EXIM Bank. This Bank  would enlist the help of provincial governments 
and would provide export credit, supplier's cred it and export credit guarantees. The SBP was 
requested to prepare a roadmap for the establishmen t of the EXIM Bank and its proposal has been 
sent to the Ministry of Finance which will be the coordinating agency for the EXIM Bank. 
3.72.  The SBP also provides re-financing support to banks on their financing to exporters under 
the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) – either through a transaction-based facility or through a performance-based facility. The scheme aims at boosting exports through concessional financing 
to exporters. The current mark-up rates under the Export Finance Scheme is 7.5% with effect 
from 1 July 2014, while banks' spread for corporate borrowers and SME borrowers are 1% and 2%, respectively. To further incentivize the fina ncing under EFS (Part II) the rates have been 
linked to export performance. Total financing under the EFS was PRs 194 billion at the end of 
October 2014.
71  
3.73.  In response to the introduction of specialized Islamic banking institutions, the SBP has 
introduced a programme to enable the exporter to avail SBP's refinance through the newly 
established Islamic Commercial Banks against eligible commodities. The Islamic Export Refinance 
Scheme (IERS) is available through Islamic Banks to exporters along the basic principles and conditions of the EFS. Thirteen banks are currently eligible for IERS funds with PRs 13 billion 
outstanding under the facility, at the end of June 2014. 
3.3.6   Export-processing zones  3.74.  There are eight operational Export-Processing Zones (EPZs) in Pakistan
72, with the first EPZ 
in Pakistan being established in Karachi in 1989.  These EPZs are administered by the Export 
Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) which was established in 1980.73 
3.75.  Enterprises operating in EPZs are provid ed with a number of benefits and incentives, 
including competitive land lease rates for up to 30 years, duty-free import of machinery, 
equipment and materials, freedom from national import regulations, exemption from exchange 
control regulations, repatriation of capital and profits, and no sales tax on input goods including electricity/gas bills.
74 T h e  E P Z A  a l s o  a d m i n i s t e r s  t h e  l a b o u r  l a w s  w i t h i n  E P Z s .  T y p i c a l l y ,  
manufacturing EPZs operate as joint ventures whereas natural resource-based EPZs are 
established as exclusive projects under specific leases. 
                                               
69 State Bank of Pakistan (2007). 
70 State Bank of Pakistan (2014). 
71 Ibid. 
72 Export Processing Zones Author ity (EPZA) online information.  Viewed at: http://www.epza.gov.pk/ . 
73 Ibid. 
74 EPZA online information. Viewed at: http://www.epza.gov.pk/incentives.html . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  3.76.  Enterprises operating within EPZs must export at least 80% of their production.75 A 
maximum of 20% of production may be sold in Pakistan but these sales are subject to the same duties and taxes as similar imports from abroad.
76 The EPZA has the exclusive right to collect 
estimated taxes on exports, with final taxes bein g 1% plus a service charge of 0.5% of total 
profits. Exports from EPZ companies are exempt fr om all other federal, provincial, and municipal 
taxes. Certain goods (e.g. cotton ginning, sugar, vehicles and cement) may not be produced in EPZs. Apart from the ongoing development of the EPZ by the Gwadar Deep Sea Port in the 
province of Balochistan there seems to be no further EPZ projects in the pipeline at the time of 
writing. According to the EPZA exports from EPZs in the first quarter of 2013 were up 15% compared to 2012. In the third quarter of 2013, nine new units were approved at the Karachi EPZ and one in the Sialkot and Gujranwala EPZs, respectively, totalling around US$22 million in 
projected export revenue.  
3.77.  In September 2012 Parliament enacted the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) legislation which 
offers more incentives and flexibility for investors than in EPZs
77, including in the area of public-
private partnerships. As of 2014, the Khairpur Special Economic Zone has been approved and is 
being developed a future hub of agro-processing and other related industries. Applications for 
other SEZs have been submitted to provincial governments and are under consideration 
(see Section 2.4).  
3.3.7  Export promotion and marketing assistance 3.78.  The TDAP, with an annual budget of some PRs 1 billion, is the central authority for the 
majority of export-related initiatives. The TDAP's main role is market promotion, e.g. trade 
delegations, research and trade exhibitions, and facilitating exporters' activities. It maintains a 
network of 53 commercial attachés abroad
78, and focuses on product and market diversification, 
including greater value addition, in key export ma rkets for products and services from Pakistan. 
The TDAP projects are financed by funds from th e EMDF, although a number of projects by other 
government agencies as well as private sector bodies and trade associations also receive funds from the EMDF. The Fund is administered by a Board chaired by the Minister of Commerce. Export 
promotion and facilitation is provided for specific  products by a number of sectoral public boards, 
such as the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board. In the same way, the Pakistan Software Export Board  promotes IT exports, the Ministry of Textile Industry promotes textiles and 
garment exports, the Defence Export Promotion Organization promotes and coordinates exports of 
defence products and the Pakistan Tobacco Board promotes cultivation, manufacture, and export 
of tobacco and tobacco products. 
3.4  Measures Affecting Production and Trade 
3.4.1  Incentives 
3.79.  Under the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Small and Medium Enterprises 
Development Authority (SMEDA) seeks to provide an enabling environment to small and medium 
enterprises (SMEs). It advises the federal government on the allocation of funds to identify 
research and planning priorities; conducts studies and analysis for sector development strategies and facilitates support services appropriate or necessary for SMEs.
79 
3.80.  SMEDA has also been tasked with an advisory role in the implementation of the Prime 
Minister's "Youth Business Loan" scheme.80 The scheme provides SME entrepreneurs between the 
ages of 21 and 45 with the possibility of subsidized financing, e.g. loans at 8% mark-up per year, with tenure up to 8 years and a first year grace period, and a favorable debt-equity ratio (9:1). 
The scheme has a 50% quota for women and 5% quota for families of Shaheed, Widows and 
                                               
75 Import Policy Order 2006, SRO 775(I)/2006, Section 13(5). 
76 SRO 249(I)/81. 
77 NO. F. 22(7)2012-Legis. 
78 24 in Asia, 17 in Europe, 9 in the Americas, and 3 in Africa. 
79 Small & Medium Entreprises Development Authority (SMEDA) online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.smeda.org/ . 
80 Ibid. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 54 - 
 
  Disabled persons and is intended to cover 100,000 beneficiaries in the year 2013-14 through 
designated financial institutions.81  
3.81.  The Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) proposes to create a Pakistan Land Port 
Authority (PLPA) to strengthen regional trade and trade integration with South Asia, China and the 
Economic Cooperation Organization countries. Among the objectives of this new entity is the need 
to develop mutually beneficial regional production  and trade networks through improved land port 
facilities while simultaneously being responsive to security issues, smuggling, human trafficking 
etc. The PLPA would function as a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry 
of Interior and with representation from relevant federal entities as well as representation from the respective provincial governments.  
3.82.  A number of government initiatives appear to seek to promote industrialization of the 
productive capacity in key sectors. For instance, the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial 
Research (PCSIR) conducts R&D work on problems faced by the industrial sector. It also boasts laboratory establishments which test and evaluate a factory's raw materials, finished products and 
packed products which are to be marketed.
82 Facilities in designated rural and poorly developed 
areas may receive 100% exemption from customs duties, surcharges and sales taxes on imported machinery. Full duty rebates are available for machinery imported for officially approved projects 
in certain less-developed regions (see Section 2, Table 2.4).
83 
3.83.  The Federal Budget 2014/15 also includes other incentives in an effort to support less- 
developed areas. For instance, to help the fruit-processing industry in Balochistan Province, Malakand Division, Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA, a five-year income tax exemption was introduced for 
individuals setting up processing plants for loca lly-grown fruits. Also, to encourage electricity 
generation from local coal, coal-mining projects in Sindh supplying coal exclusively to power generation projects were exempted from profit and gains taxes and dividends are taxed at a 
reduced rate. 
3.4.2  Competition policy and price controls 3.84.  Since the last TPR of Pakistan, the compet ition policy framework has changed considerably. 
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) replaced the Monopoly Control Authority in 
October 2007. The Commission is an independent qu asi-regulatory, quasi-judicial body established 
under the 2007 Competition Ordinance. This Ordinance was subsequently re-promulgated as an Act of Parliament in 2010.  
3.85.  The combination of a rapidly transformi ng market economy, growing expectations of 
businesses and consumers and the pressing need for a competition policy framework that could 
promote and protect competition and innovation pushed the Government to launch a "second 
generation reform" initiative on competition policy. As a result of these efforts the Competition Act 
came into effect in 2010.
84 
3.86.  Although formally under the Ministry of Fi nance, the CCP is an independent body that seeks 
to create a business environment based on health y competition for improving economic efficiency, 
developing competitiveness and protecting consumers from anti-competitive practices.85 The 
Competition Act prohibits abuse of a dominant position in the market86, certain types of anti-
competitive agreements87, and deceptive market practices. It reviews mergers of undertakings 
                                               
81 For example, National Bank of Pakistan and First Women Bank. 
82 Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.pcsir.gov.pk/ . 
83 Azad Kashmir; Balochistan; Dera Ismail Khan; Dera Ghazi Khan; Malakand; Mianwali and Tehsil 
Khushab in Punjab; the districts of Shikarpur, Jacobabad and Dadu (excluding Kotri) in Sindh; the entire North-
West Frontier Province; and certain tribal areas. 
84 The Competition Act 2010 repealed the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (Control and 
Prevention) Ordinance, 1970. 
85 Competition Commission of Pakistan  online information. Viewed at: http://www.cc.gov.pk . 
86 Defined in Chapter 1 of the Competition Act, "dom inant position" of one or  several undertakings is 
deemed to exist if this/these have the ability to behave  to an appreciable extent independently of competitors, 
customers, consumers and suppliers and if the market share exceeds 40%. 
87 Including, but not limited to, price fixing, dividing /sharing market, collusive tendering. See Section 4 
of the Competition Act. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 55 - 
 
  that could impact competition negatively and seeks to promote voluntary compliance and develop 
a "competition culture" in Pakistan.88 Contrary to the previous Law, the 2010 Competition Act 
contains definitional aspects, coverage, penalties and other procedural matters.89 The Law 
provides for higher fines combined with imprisonment for non-compliance, and grants the 
Commission independent legal powers to conduct searches and inspections. 
3.87.  Section 3 of the 2010 Competition Act90 outlines a non-exhaustive number of practices with 
respect to abuse of dominant position deemed to be illegal, e.g. predatory pricing, limiting 
production, price discrimination etc. Section 4 lists prohibited agreements such as price fixing, 
market sharing, collusive tendering etc. Sections 10 and 11 include information with respect to deceptive marketing practices and the approval of mergers, respectively. The Act's Section 9 
includes extensive references to the granting of exceptions to the aforementioned sections, 
including if an agreement contributes towards "improving production or distribution", "promoting 
technical or economic progress…", and "the benefits clearly outweigh the adverse effects…"
91. 
According to the CCP, the total number of exemptions issued up to March 2014, stood at 492.92 
The large majority were exemptions of prohibited agreements for undertakings, including in 
manufacturing and service industries, followed by decisions on mergers and joint-ventures, in particular in the food, conglomerate, financial services and chemical sectors. However, since the 
CCP's creation, one of the major challenges is the effective disposal of cases, including as a result 
of a significant reduction in the CCP's staff in 2013 . Of particular concern is a backlog of almost 
200 cases pending in various courts. The Competition Appellate Tribunal, established in July 2011 to ensure that anti-competitive behaviour would not prevail for any longer than it should, is 
reportedly dysfunctional as a result of the non-a ppointment of judges and has only decided on one 
appeal by 2014.
93  
3.88.  In 2013, the CCP issued orders in five ca ses regarding abuse of dominance by business and 
deceptive marketing. Six new investigations were launched relating to deceptive marketing and 
other anti-competitive practices. Among some of the more significant cases, the CCP handed out 
fines to 14 long-distance and international telecoms operators for price fixing and market 
allocation to the tune of PRs 9 billion, and imposed a fine of PRs 8.64 billion on manufacturers of 
urea for abuse of dominance. Over the same  period, the CCP also approved 54 mergers, 
acquisitions and joint ventures. According to the CCP, it has approved over 400 mergers and acquisitions since 2007. Over the same period, the CCP was successful in unearthing several 
cartels including in banking, accounting services, fertilizer, cement and sugar. In all, 21 orders 
were passed to correct prohibited agreements, 15 to eliminate situations of abuse of dominance and 10 to promote fair marketing. As part of its research function, the CCP looks at various sectors 
from a competition standpoint and identifies vulnerabilities and government interventions that may 
be distorting incentives, causing information fail ures and encouraging anti-competitive practices 
within the industry structure. According to the CCP , market studies serve as a diagnostic tool that 
allows it to evaluate how competitive markets are and work out steps to improve the state of 
competition in particular sectors. A wide range of competition issues are covered in the CCP reports, including market dominance, entry barriers, the effect of international developments on the national market and the regulatory mechanism. The CCP has prepared sector-specific reports 
on banking, aviation, private sector health and education, polyester staple fibre, cement, sugar, 
cooking oil, fertilizer and power. 
3.89.  Pakistan no longer operates a comprehensive price control scheme for essential 
commodities. However, a system for monitoring the average monthly prices of 53 essential items 
is in place. It also maintains a non-indexed list of 17 essential items. Specific price controls on essential goods may also be applied by provinci al or municipal governments. The Oil and Gas 
                                               
88 The Competition (Merger Control) Regulations, 2007, Section 4 stipulates the thresholds that apply to 
entities which must give notice to the CCP regarding a proposed merger. 
89 CCP online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.cc.gov.pk/index.php?option=co m_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=110.  
90 CCP online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.cc.gov.pk/images/Downloads/competitionn_act_2010.pdf.  
91 CCP, The Competition (Exemption) Regulations, 2014 were published in the Gazette of Pakistan  on 
4 June 2014. Viewed at: 
http://cc.gov.pk/images/Downloads/regulati ons/competition_exem ption_regulations.pdf . 
92Ibid. 
93 Wilson Joseph (2014). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 56 - 
 
  Regulatory Authority (OGRA) maintains price controls on fuel for both household and commercial 
use.  
3.4.3  Consumer policy and protection  3.90.  Pakistan does not have a legal and institutional mechanism to redress consumer-related 
grievances and to protect consumers' rights. Co nsumer protection is primarily a provincial 
responsibility and several provinces appear to have  legislation or regulations related to consumer 
protection, but little information is available as to actual implementation. The Competition 
Commission, has in the past couple of years, taken on a number of cases, which deal with false 
and misleading advertising by producers of paint an d soft-drink producers, as well as fraudulent 
use of trademarks and unaccredited  offers of university degrees.  
3.4.4  State-trading, state-owne d enterprises, and privatization 
3.4.4.1  State-trading 
3.91.  Pakistan last notified the WTO in 2011 that it had no state-trading enterprises within the 
meaning of Article XVII:4(a) of the GATT 1994 and noted that existing state firms are not granted 
any exclusive or special rights (including statutory or constitutional powers) allowing them to 
influence the level and/or direction of foreign trade.
94 
3.92.  Despite efforts were made to reduce its involvement in the economy (see Section 3.5.3.2), 
the State continues to participate in a range of trade or trade-related activities with several 
government agencies and numerous state-run corporations being major importers. 
3.93.  The state-owned Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) is the principal trading organization 
of the Government of Pakistan. The TCP is a private limited company under the administrative 
control of the Ministry of Commerce. Through private companies, it trades, various products on 
behalf of the Government, including importing essential commodities for socio-political reasons in case of domestic shortages. The TCP has no import monopoly or exclusive trading rights, pays full 
taxes and tariffs on imports and adheres to th e rules of the Public Procurement Regulatory 
Authority. It primarily sells imported urea to en d-users, although crops such as wheat and sugar, 
have also featured prominently among the produc ts purchased by the TCP. In 2010-11, the TCP 
imported 525,000 metric tonnes of sugar and 570, 000 metric tonnes of urea. Since 2011, TCP has 
only imported urea and in 2013-14 these imports amounted to 987,000 metric tonnes. 
3.4.4.2  State-owned enterprises and privatization 3.94.  State-owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to have an important role in Pakistan's economy. 
State involvement occurs mainly in manufacturing (e.g. fertilizers, steel and engineering goods), 
energy (oil, gas, and electricity) and key services  (e.g. banking, insurance and transportation).  
3.95.  Privatization of SOEs has made uneven progress since the creation of the Privatization 
Commission (PC) in 1991. Resistance from vested interests, uncertain regulatory environments in key utilities and infrastructure sectors and general security issues means that the rate at which the 
Government has been divesting its involvement in SOEs has varied greatly over the past couple of 
decades. According to the World Bank, more than 150 SOEs continue to operate in various sectors of Pakistan's economy, contribute around 10% to GDP and represent about one-third of stock 
market capitalization.
95 The World Bank estimates that in financial year 2012 direct subsidies and 
guarantees outstanding to SOEs accounted for around 5% of GDP.96  
3.96.  The PC follows a list of Public Sector Enti ties (PSEs) approved by the Council of the Common 
Interest (CCI) for privatization. This broad list includes some 67 public entities, and in 
October 2013 the Cabinet Committee on Privatisatio n (CCoP) approved a list of more than 30 SOEs 
for privatization, including entities within sectors such as oil and gas, banking and finance, power, 
industries, transport and real estate, etc. (see Table 3.9).  
                                               
94 WTO document G/STR/N/13/PAK, 21 November 2011. 
95 World Bank (2014b). 
96 Ibid. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  3.97.  Since Pakistan's last Review in 2008, fe w privatization actions have taken place. This 
includes the sale of shares in Pakistan Petroleum Limited and United Bank Limited in June 2014, resulting in proceeds of PRs 37.9 billion and PRs 15.3 billion respectively. 
Table 3.9 Privatization programme for early implementation  
 Entities GOP share Divestment strategy 
Oil & gas (upstream and mid-stream)  
1. Oil and Gas Development Co. Ltd. (OGDCL)  ~ 85%  capital market (preferably 
international)  
2. Pakistan Petroleum Ltd. (PPL)  ~ 78%  capital market (international & 
domestic)  
3. Mari Petroleum Ltd.  ~ 20%  capital market (SPO) or block sale to JV 
partner  
4. Government Holding Private Ltd. (GHPL)  ~ 100%  capital market (IPO) or divestment of 
working interest of specific block  
5. Pak Arab Refinery Ltd. (PARCO)  ~ 60%  capital market (IPO) subject to consent 
of JV partner  
Oil & gas (downstream)  
6. Pakistan State Oil Co. Ltd. (PSO)  ~ 25%  segregation of business segments 
followed by divesting the suitable 
business segment  
7. Sui Southern Gas Co. Ltd. (SSGC)  ~ 60%  segregation of various operations 
followed by privatization, where possible  
8. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd. (SNGPL)  ~ 36%  segregation of various operations 
followed by privatization, where 
possible  
Banking & finance  
9. Habib Bank Limited (HBL)  ~ 42%  capital market (secondary public 
Offering - SPO)  
10. United Bank Limited (UBL)  ~ 20%  capital Market (secondary public 
Offering - SPO)  
11. Allied Bank Limited (ABL)  ~ 10%  capital Market (secondary public 
offering - SPO)  
12. National Bank Limited (NBP)  ~ 76%  divestment with management control 
(preferably) or block sale to qualified investors  
13. State Life Insurance Corp. (SLIC)  ~ 100%  capital market (initial public offering – 
IPO) 
14. National Insurance Co. Ltd. (NICL)  ~ 100%  divestment with management control 
followed by initial public offering (IPO)  
15. National Investment Trust Ltd. (NITL)a ~ 100% MR  divestment of mana gement rights of 
individual fund(s)  
16. Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Banka  ~ 94%  divestment with management control 
or merger with Tier II/III bank  
17. Pakistan Reinsurance Co Ltd. (PRCL)  ~ 51%  divestment with management control  
Power  
18. Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC)a  ~ 100%  divestment with management control
19. Islamabad Electric Supply Co. Ltd. (IESCO)  ~ 100%  divestment with management control
20. Faisalabad Electric Su pply Co. Ltd. (FESCO)  ~ 100%  divestment with management control
21. Hyderabad Electric Supply Co. Ltd. (HESCO)  ~ 100%  divestment with management control
22. Jamshoro Power Generation Co. Ltd. (JPCL)  ~ 100%  divestment with management control
23. Northern Power Generation Co. Ltd. - 
Thermal Power Station – Muzaffargarh  ~ 100%  divestment with management control
24. Lakhra Power Gene ration Co. Ltd.  ~ 100%  divestment with management control
25. National Power Construction Co. (NPCC)a  ~ 100%  divestment with management control  
26. Kot Addu Power Company Ltd. (KAPCO)b ~ 46%  capital markets (international & 
domestic)  
Industries, transport and real estate  
27. Pakistan Steel Mills Corp. (PSMC)  ~ 100%  divestment with management control  
28. Pakistan Engineering Co. Ltd. (PECO)a  ~ 25%  retirement of GOP liabilities initially 
followed by transfer of mmanagement 
to private partners  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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   Entities GOP share Divestment strategy 
29. Pakistan International Airlines Corp. (PIAC)  ~ 100%  restructuring followed by divestment of 
26% GoP equity stakes to strategic 
partner with management control  
30. Pakistan National Shipping Corp. (PNSC)  ~ 90%  divestment with management control  
31. Convention Cent re, Islamabada ~ 100%  sale of asset  
32. PIA Investment Ltd. –Roosevelt Hotel NY & 
Scribe Hotel – Parisa  ~ 100%  sale of asset  
a Keeping in view the PSEs' size and sectoral dynamics,100% GoP interest would be divested. 
b Subject to approval from Counci l of Common Interests (CCI). 
Source: Privatization Commission, 2014. 
3.98.  The publication of the list of SOEs for priv atization followed the approval by the Executive 
Board of the IMF on 4 September 2013 of a 36- month extended arrangement under the Extended 
Fund Facility (EFF) for a US$6.68 billion loan to Pakistan.97 The Government had made a 
commitment with the IMF to announce a strategy fo r the sale of 30 firms by the end of September 
as a benchmark for disbursement of a second tr anche of the IMF loan. Under the commitment, the 
Government was to announce detailed privatization plans for the remainder of the total 65 entities by the end of 2013. 
3.99.  Pakistan has embarked on an ambitious privatization programme. This can be explained 
partly by the considerable budgetary drain that SOEs place on the country's budget and partly by the structural benchmarks agreed with the IMF under the EFF agreed in 2013. The privatization 
programme is aimed at offering and/or marketing at least one transaction in each quarter during 
the upcoming year. Table 3.10 shows the timeline of the privatization of SOEs.  
Table 3.10 Timeline of the privatization of PSEs 
Timeline of the privatization of PSEs 
1 United Bank Limited (UBL), Pakistan  Petroleum Limited (PPL) End-June 2014 
2 Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) On hold 
3 National Power Construction Co. (NPCC) First quarter 2015 
4 Allied Bank Limited (ABL), Habib Bank Limited (HBL) First quarter 2015 
Source: IMF Country Report No. 14/184, July 2014. 
3.100.  Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and Pakistan Railways 
(PR) are considered to be the major budgetary drains among SOEs. In the case of PSM a professional board was appointed and approved a comprehensive restructuring plan in April 2014 
so as to prepare for strategic private sector participation in the company.  
3.4.5  Government procurement 3.101.  Pakistan is not a signatory nor observer to the Plurilateral WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement. According to the authorities, Pakistan has not signed on any government 
procurement provisions in any of its FTAs. In 2002, a Public Procurement Regulatory Authority 
(PPRA) was established at the federal level under the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority 
Ordinance 2002. This was followed by the prom ulgation of Public Procurement Rules in 2004.
98 The 
PPRA is an autonomous body endowed with th e responsibility of recommending laws and 
regulations governing public procurement. It is al so responsible for monitoring the application of 
procurement laws and performance of federal procuring agencies with a view to improving 
governance of public procurement. The PPRA do es not have jurisdiction over sub-federal 
procurement schemes, but provincial government s have created regulatory authorities and 
introduced public procurement rules which are broadly comparable with federal rules.99 Grievances 
                                               
97 IMF (2014c). 
98 Public Procurement Regulatory Author ity online information. Viewed at: http://www.ppra.org.pk/ . 
99 The Sindh province PPRA, however, appears to ha ve more exhaustive publ ic procurement rules and 
provide an independent grievance redress arrangemen t and a framework for regulating public private 
partnership (PPP) procurements. The Punjab PPRA has adopted federal rules while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 
notified the NWFP Procurement of Goods, Works, Se rvices and Consultancy Serv ices Rules. As regards WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 59 - 
 
  with respect to government procurement decisions are not referred to the PPRA but considered by 
a procurement committee operating PPRA guidelines within each government agency. In September 2013, the PPRA launched a National Procurement Strategy 2013-2016
100 outlining a 
common vision for making procurement processes efficient and transparent. The Strategy contains 
an action plan, which includes such areas as in troducing standardized bidding documents and the 
creation of an E-procurement portal. In April 2014, a draft E-procurement Strategy and Roadmap 
was published by the World Bank on the basis of comprehensive consultations with stakeholders 
on how to design and implement an E-procurement portal.101 According to the authorities the E-
procurement portal will be operational someti me in 2016-17 and will provide an important 
component in reducing corruption.  
3.102.  The principal procurement method - open competitive bidding - is used for all contracts 
above PRs 100,000 (or PRs 500,000 in some cases). Procurement contracts generally from 
PRs 0.1 million to 2 million must be advertised on th e PPRA website and, if higher also in at least 
two national newspapers (one in Urdu and one in English). Pre-qualification of bidders must be 
based on ability to perform satisfactorily. Direct and negotiated contracting102 are permitted 
subject to prescribed conditions; direct tendering is allowed when no advantage is envisaged from competitive bidding or where proprietary rights  are involved. Legislative amendments in 2006 
allowed direct tendering when the Government or an y authority "fixes the price of goods, services 
or works" or when buying "motor vehicles from local original manufacturers at manufacturer's prices"
103. In these cases competitive bidding is considered unnecessary as prices are either fixed 
or known. These amendments may place domestic - including resident foreign - suppliers at an 
advantage relative to firms located overseas. 
3.103.  Bidding is open to any nationality, al though certain nationalities are excluded by 
government policy.104 Procuring agencies can provide supplier price preferences where this is 
government policy. Price preferences of up to 25% are in place on all government purchases 
depending on domestic value added content; th e maximum preference requires at least 35% 
domestic value added.  
3.4.6  Intellectual property rights 
3.4.6.1  Overview 3.104.  In February 2010, Pakistan accepted th e amendment to the TRIPS Agreement on Public 
Health. It participates as a member of the Worl d Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) since 
1977, but only two treaties have been ratified: the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary 
and Artistic Works and the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. Pakistan has 
signed the Universal Copyright Convention. 
3.105.  National legislation regulates the main areas covered by the TRIPS Agreement and has 
been notified to the WTO (Table 3.11). Legislation regarding plant breeders' rights has not yet been issued, but a draft has been approved by th e Cabinet. Geographical indications are governed 
by the Trademark Act of 2001 and Ordinance.  
Table 3.11 Overview of IPR legislation, 2014 
IPR Main legislation Duration of protection Minimum duration of 
protection under 
TRIPS 
Copyright Copyrights Ordinance 1962 as 
amended in 1992 and 2000 Life of author plus 50 
years Life of author plus 
50 years 
Patents Patents Ordinance 2000, Patents 
Rules 2003 20 years from the date of 
grant 20 years from date of 
filing 
                                                                                                                                               
Balochistan, the Public Procurement Act was promulgated in 2009, but rules have not been notified as yet. In 
the Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and in Gilgit-Bultistan, the procurement laws have not yet been introduced.  
100 Government of Pakistan (2013). 
101 World Bank (2014c). 
102 According to the authorities negotiated contractin g takes place when urgent procurement is required, 
if something cannot be found through a tender process or when a good is made by one specific entity. 
103 SRO 432(I)2004, Section 42(c). 
104 SRO 432(I)2004, Section 24. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 60 - 
 
  IPR Main legislation Duration of protection Minimum duration of 
protection under 
TRIPS 
Trademarks Trademarks Act 1940, Trademarks 
Ordinance 2001 Trademark Rules 2004 10 years, renewable 
indefinitely for periods of 10 years At least 7 years; 
renewable indefinitely 
Geographical 
indications Trademarks Ordinance 2001 
 10 years, renewable after 
each 10 years Indefinitely 
Integrated circuits Registered Layout-Design of 
Integrated Circuits Ordinance 2000 10 years from the date of 
filing 10 years from first 
commercial exploitation 
Industrial 
designs Design Ordinance 2000 
 10 years, renewable for 
two periods of ten years At least 10 years 
Source: Intellectual Property Organization, Pakistan. 
3.106.  The Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) is an autonomous Organization under the 
administrative control of the Cabinet Division. The Intellectual Property Organization Act 2012 
provides a funding structure and vests the IPO with  enforcement authority. According to the IPO, 
enforcement coordination is being institutionali zed and expanded by establishing cross-agency 
Enforcement Committees in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. These regions will also receive priority in terms of IPR enforcement with other area s following. The 2012 Act provides for the 
establishment of specialized IP Tribunals to exercise  exclusive jurisdiction on intellectual property 
cases.  
3.107.  Since the last Review in 2008, registrati on of different intellectual property rights has 
increased significantly. Data on applications and registrations of each IPR is summarized in 
Table 3.12. In terms of revenue collection FY 2011-12, which was the last year for which figures 
are available, showed a 76% increase compared to the previous year. Total IP-related revenue 
collected for FY 2011-12 was PRs 155 million.
105 
Table 3.12 Applications and registration s of intellectual property rights, 2012-13 
 Patents 
(2013) Trademarks 
(2012) Industrial designs 
(2012-13) Copyright 
(2012-13) 
 App. Reg. App. Reg. App. Reg. App. Reg.
Residents 151 19 15,323 2,989 337 275 3,289 2,572 
Non residents 783 263 4,342 3,453 127 103 13 16 
Abroad 16 .. 601 376 .. .. .. .. 
Total 934 282 20,266 6,442 464 378 3,302 2,588 
.. Not available. 
Source: WIPO Statistics Database and Intellectual Property Organization, Pakistan.  
3.4.6.2  Patents 
3.108.  Patents are granted for a period of 20 years from the date of filing. The filing fee for patent 
applications is PRs 4,500; for each additional page of specification beyond 40 pages there is a fee 
of PRs 60 and PRs 150 for each additional claim beyond 20 claims. After four years the owner 
must pay a renewal fee of PRs 6,000 for every year up to the eighth year, PRs 9,000 for years 9-12, PRs 12,000 for years 13–16 and PRs 16,000 for every year thereafter. Foreigners are required to apply for a patent through a patent attorney. 
3.4.6.3  Copyrights 
3.109.  Duration of copyright protection is li fetime of the author plus 50 years. Copyright 
protection covers literary, artistic, cinematographic, and records works. Registration is not a 
condition of copyright protection, although it establishes prima facie evidence in court of the 
validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate.  
3.110.  After filing the application, the Copyright Office, under IPO, carries out an examination. For 
artistic works, the applicant is required to advertise the work in any Urdu or English language 
                                               
105 Intellectual Property Organization, Pakistan. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  newspaper. If there is no opposition, the registrati on certificate is issued for an application fee of 
PRs 1,000.  
3.4.6.4  Trademarks 3.111.  The Trademarks Registry (TMR), under IPO, is the office responsible for registering 
trademarks in Pakistan. A trademark registration gives exclusive proprietary rights to the rights' 
holder for protection of their trademark perpetually, subject to renewal of the registration every ten years.  
3.112.  The application fee for trademarks is PRs 2,000 and that for the registration certificate 
PRs 6,000. After the application, an examination re port is generated by the TMR with a period of 
two months being given for the receipt of opposition to a mark, if any. In case of no opposition, the mark is recommended for registration. Regulations on trademarks can be found in the 
Trademark Ordinance of 2001.  
3.113.  Pakistan has no GI specific registration system. Geographical indications may be registered 
either as a certification mark or a collective trademark as stipulated in the Trademark Ordinance of 
2001, through Section 82 (covering collective marks) and Section 83 (certification marks). 
According to the Act a collective mark define s the good or service of the proprietor, the 
certification mark indicates the specificity of the good or service's quality, origin or 
manufacturing/performance. All GI applications have been filed with the TMR in Karachi as 
collective marks under the 2001 Ordinance and ar e in the process of being registered. The 
registration procedure of a trademark is initiated by way of application (Form TM-1/TM-2) for one mark in one class with the above-mentioned applicable fee of PRs 2,000. 
3.114.  An acknowledgement receipt by the TMR is issued to the applicant 10-15 days after the 
initial application date, followed by an Examination Report after three months. Applicants will be notified via a Show Cause Notice if there are any objections to the applied trademark. The 
applicant is required to submit a reply within two months of the issue of the Show Cause Notice. 
Cases decided by the Registrar can be appealed to the High Court in accordance with the 2001 Act, Section 114. The application stands accepted two months after publication date, provided no 
objections have been filed. Upon receipt of the Registration fee, the Registration Certificate is 
issued.  
3.115.  No GIs are registered in Pakistan. Between 2009 and 2011 12 GI applications covering 
livestock, rice and various fruits  were filed with the TMR by a number of producers' associations. 
However, all applications remain pending. Pakistan is a member of the W52 Group in the WTO.  
3.4.6.5  Industrial design and layo ut-designs of integrated circuits 
3.116.  The registration of an industrial design is for a period of ten years from the date of the first 
commercial exploitation anywhere in the world, an d may be extended twice for additional ten-year 
periods. For integrated circuits, the ten-year peri od may not be extended. Any person claiming to 
be the proprietor of any new or original design  not previously published anywhere in the world 
may apply for the registration of such design in Pakistan. The application fee for registration of 
industrial designs is PRs 450 and the registration certificate is an additional PRs 750.
106 
3.117.  The Design Ordinance 2000 provides a mechanism for priority claiming between all 
Members of the WTO.107 Any person who has applied to register a design in a WTO Member 
(convention country) is entitled to make an application for the registration of the same design in 
Pakistan within six months of the date of the application in a convention country.  
3.118.  Similarly, any person who has filed an applic ation for registration in Pakistan is entitled to 
claim that the official date of the Pakistani application for any registration also holds in other 
WTO Members. 
3.4.6.6  Plant breeders' rights 
                                               
106 IPO website, designs fees and publications. Viewed at: http://ipo.gov.pk/Designs/DesignForms.aspx . 
107 Registered Design Ordinance 2000, Chapter IV. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  3.119.  Plant breeders' rights (PBR) are not regulated in Pakistan, but a draft bill is awaiting 
approval by the Prime Minister. The bill will subsequently be submitted to Parliament for enactment. The Plant Breeders' Rights Bill  along with the Seed Amendment Bill 2014
108 are 
expected to be passed in 2015.  
3.4.6.7  Enforcement  
3.120.  A key role of IPO is to ensure effectiv e enforcement of IPR through specialized tribunals, 
the police, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and customs.  
3.121.   Pakistan has continued its efforts to advance IPR enforcement through raids, seizures, 
and arrests by various enforcement authorities, but has yet to put into operation the specialized IP 
tribunals and the IPO Policy Board provided for under the IPO Act. Moreover, enforcement officials do not exercise ex officio authority without a formal complaint by a rights' holder. The IPO has 
established Enforcement Committees in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, respectively, and these 
committees meet regularly to discuss IP enforcement issues. Piracy remains a key challenge in Pakistan. There are enormous challenges to enforce law and reduce software and books piracy, as 
well as distribution of counterfeited articles throughout the country.  
 
                                               
108 The Seed Amendment Bill has been under consideration in Parliament since 2006.  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
4.1  Introduction 4.1.  Reforms in key sectors of Pakistan's econom y have been initiated, but adjustment toward a 
more diversified and efficient production pattern has generally been slow. State intervention and 
ownership remain considerable. Overall tariff levels are high, weakening productivity growth and 
constituting an impediment to efficient resource allocation and the integration of Pakistan into global value chains, while the wide-spread use of discretionary policy measures and exceptions 
support a culture of rent-seeking and clientelism.  
4.2.  The agriculture sector is central to empl oyment and livelihoods, but still of low overall 
productivity. As a result of the 18
th Amendment, responsibility for agricultural policy has been 
transferred to the provinces. The support regime for the agriculture sector involves tariffs, support 
prices, subsidies, as well as tax and tariff exem ptions. No notifications on domestic support have 
been submitted to the WTO since 2008.  
4.3.  Pakistan's energy shortage and electricity cuts have become a pressing economic challenge. 
Power generation, transmission and distribution ar e generally inefficient. Electricity prices are 
usually insufficient to cover production costs and are designed in a manner that effectively subsidizes the middle class. Manufacturing centre s around food processing and textiles. Textiles 
and clothing make up for more than 50% of Pakistan's merchandise exports; they depend strongly 
on market access conditions of major trading partners. With tariffs of up to 100%, protection is particularly high in the automotive sector owing to the presence of a few foreign-owned local assemblers. 
4.4.  Services now contribute nearly 58% to GDP. Pakistan is a net importer of services, although 
the deficit has been declining over the past years. Its commitments under the GATS cover a wide range of activities. Strong state involvement persists in nearly all service subsectors. The financial 
services sector has shown resilience in a challenging macroeconomic environment, and the stock 
market has performed remarkably well. The telecom sector has grown strongly since Pakistan's last Review, mainly driven by mobile subscriptions. Pakistan's port infrastructure has improved 
considerably since its last Review. Pakistan Railways operates an extensive, but largely 
dysfunctional railway system which the Governme nt is trying to revitalize. Air fares are 
deregulated while privatization of loss-carrying Pakistan International Airways, the dominant air carrier, has been repeatedly postponed. 
4.2  Agriculture 
4.2.1  Main features and policy objectives 4.5.  Pakistan's agriculture sector  contributes around 21.4% to GDP
1 and 11% to merchandise 
exports; it provides employment to nearly 44% of the population.2 About two-thirds of Pakistan's 
population reside in rural areas, depending mainly on agriculture for their livelihood. Over the last two decades, there has been a structural shift within the agriculture sector, with the crop sub-
sector gradually declining from 65% of agricultural value added in 1990-91 to 43% in 2013-14. 
Livestock's share of agricultural value added increased from 30% to 53% over this period.  
4.6.  Rural areas are still characterized by stro ng inequality in the distribution of assets, 
particularly land and water, and income. Entrenched land ownership plays a large role in keeping 
yields low and many landless in poverty.
3 Since its last Review, numerous severe floods have 
impacted Pakistan's rural economy while global climate change, through rising temperatures and 
increasingly unpredictable rain patterns, is also becoming a major concern for the agriculture 
sector.4  
                                               
1 Sectoral GDP shares in this section are based on the national accounts tables of  the Pakistan Bureau of 
Statistics and are expressed in 2005 constant prices, unless mentioned otherwise. 
2 Taking into account downstream industries such  as textiles, these figures are much higher, in 
particular for exports. 
3 World Bank (2014d). 
4 State Bank of Pakistan (2013), pp. 32-34. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.7.  The Government's overall policy objectives for the agriculture sector are to achieve food 
security and increase the sector's growth rate. A new Agriculture and Food Security Policy was under formulation as at November 2014; it includes a set of policy objectives such as halving malnutrition by 2030 and bringing food insecurity to zero by 2050. Raising the growth rate of 
agriculture is also an important objective in Pakistan's Vision 2025. Finally, the promotion of 
processed agricultural products and their export is an important policy goal laid down in the 
Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-15. 
4.8.  As a result of the 18
th Amendment to the Constitution, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and 
Livestock was dissolved, and many of its responsibilities were delegated to the provincial level in 2011. At the federal level, the Ministry of Nati onal Food Security and Research (MNFSR) is 
responsible for formulating agriculture and food security policies. Research is coordinated and 
disseminated by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). State-owned entities, in 
particular the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, are involved in the foreign trade of several essential commodities (mainly wheat and sugar).  
4.9.  Pakistan is a member of the agriculture G-20 and G-33 groups, the Cairns Group, and the 
"Friends of Fish". In the Doha Round, Pakistan supports elimination of all forms of export subsidies on agricultural products. It also demands substantial reduction in domestic support and substantial 
improvement in market access. Furthermore, Paki stan underlines the need to build upon the 2008 
modalities on agriculture.
5 It is of the view that market price-support programmes are not a win-
win solution on food security, as they could have a negative effect on the food security of other countries. Pakistan only agrees with the General Services part of the G-33 proposal which 
concerns rural livelihood security through enlargement of Green Box programmes such as land 
rehabilitation, farmers' settlement programmes, or issuance of property titles. 
4.10.  Land ownership in Pakistan is under provincial government jurisdiction. As a rule, land 
ownership by foreign investors is generally allowed, including in small-holdings. 
4.11.  Agricultural exports (SITC Rev.3) stood at US$5.6 billion in 2013; rice is the single most 
important product, with exports amounting to US$2 billion. Agricultural imports amounted to 
US$6.3 billion in 2013, with palm oil (US$1.8 billion) being the main imported product. Pakistan 
has traditionally been a net food importer, but for the first time in many years it incurred a surplus in food products in 2013, amounting to over US$500 million. 
4.2.2  Policy measures 
4.12.  Pakistan's current agricultural trade and price regime relies on tariffs, input subsidies and 
support prices as main policy measures. Other measures include customs and tax exemptions as well as export prohibitions and duties. 
4.13.  Numerous agricultural and food products  have been subject to ad hoc measures under 
Special Regulatory Orders (SRO). These goods include potatoes
6, raw poultry meat7, several milk 
products8, raw and ginned cotton9, and leather and articles thereof.10 SRO 568(I)/2014 of 
26 June 2014 introduced "regulatory import duti es" on a vast range of agricultural products 
(Section 4.2.2.1 below). As in other sectors of the economy, the use of SROs as policy instruments strongly reduces the transparency and predicta bility of the trading regime, increases its 
complexity, and ultimately supports a culture of rent-seeking. 
                                               
5 WTO document WT/MIN(13)/ST/67, 5 December 2013. 
6 SRO 718(I)/2014, exempting 300,000 metric tonnes of imported potatoes from sales tax, and 
SRO 338(I)/2014, withdrawing customs duties, sales tax and withholding tax on the import of potatoes for the period from 5 May to 31 July 2014.  
7 SRO 501(I)/2013, exempting imported poultry meat and various milk products from sales tax. 
8 SRO 501(I)/2013, exempting imported poultry meat and various milk products from sales tax. 
9 SRO 221(I)/2013, adding cotton to the list of goods for which a zero-rated or reduced sales tax 
applies. 
10 SRO 1125(I)/2011, establishing a list of goods for which a zero-rated or reduced sales tax applies. 
 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.2.2.1  Tariffs and other charges on imports 
4.14.  Tariffs are an important policy instrument in the agriculture sector. Their average (ISIC 
Rev.2 definition) is 8.7%, the same rate as in 2007/08. Individual MFN tariff rates range from 1% to 25%. Agriculture also derives substantial assistance from tariffs protecting food processors 
(Section 4.4.2.1). Reducing overall protection of tradable inputs for agriculture would significantly 
improve the sector's low productivity. 
4.15.  In addition to tariffs, since June 2014 Pakistan has imposed "regulatory duties" of 5% on 
imports of numerous agricultural goods.
11 Products affected include milk products, honey, several 
types of fruit (apples, cherries, pineapples, apricots, plums, oranges, lemons), and vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, beans, sweet corn). 
4.2.2.2  Domestic support 
4.16.  Pakistan provides numerous domestic support measures to its agriculture sector. These 
include: research and extension services, infrastructure services (most notably for irrigation), and marketing services. However, due to the absence of a recent notification on domestic support, no 
figures regarding the size and importance of these measures are available. Pakistan's most recent 
notification on domestic support measures dates from January 2008, covering marketing years 2000-01 to 2006-07.
12 In this context, the authorities indicate  that the shift of responsibilities to 
the provinces has made data collection more difficult, but that a notification on domestic support 
would be under preparation.  
4.17.  Under the Constitution, agriculture is exempt  from all federal taxes, although excise duties 
may apply at the provincial level. Thus, despite its important contribution to GDP, the agricultural 
sector contributes only about 2.5% to total tax income.13  
4.18.  Pakistan has no specific commitments to re duce domestic support. Price support is provided 
by the Government for wheat (Table 4.1) while price support for cotton, rice and sugar has been 
abolished; for these products indicative benchmark prices are announced by the Government. 
Farmers also benefit from subsidized gas for the production of urea (Section 4.4.2.4). Canal irrigation is subsidized in the Punjab by up to two-thirds.  
Table 4.1 Procurement/support prices of agricultural commodities, 2009-15  
(PRs per 40 kg) 
Commodity 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15
Wheat 950 950 1,050 1,200 1,200 1,300 
Source: Pakistani authorities. 
4.2.2.3  Export measures 
4.19.  Pakistan has notified the WTO that during the period under review it has not provided any 
export subsidies subject to reduction commitments.14  
4.20.  "Regulatory duties" have applied to certai n agricultural exports, such as molasses, wheat 
flour, pulses, and hides (Section 3.3.2). Export prohibitions have been in place for wood and 
timber, pulses, gram and gram flour, sugar, sann hemp, and livestock (Section 3.3.3.1).  
                                               
11 SRO 568(I)/2014, 26 June 2014. 
12 WTO document G/AG/N/PAK/10, 9 January 2008. 
13 Kardar S. (2013), Khan Saif A. (2013). 
14 WTO documents G/AG/N/PAK/11, 23 October 2009; G/AG/N/PAK/12, 17 February 2011; 
G/AG/N/PAK/13, 15 May 2012; G/AG/N/PAK/14, 24 May 2013 and G/AG/N/PAK/15, 14 January 2014. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.2.3  Key sub-sectors  
4.2.3.1  Crops 4.21.  Pakistan's main cash crops are wheat, ri ce, maize, cotton, sugar cane, and tobacco. Wheat 
is cultivated as a winter crop, while the others are summer crops and compete for acreage. Crop 
production is concentrated in the Punjab and Si ndh provinces. According to the 2010 Agricultural 
Census
15, there are some 8.3 million private farms. Average farm size is 6.4 acres with 42% of the 
crop area being devoted to wheat, 14% each to rice and cotton, 9% to fodder crops, and 4% each 
to maize for grain and sugar cane. Average yields are generally low, and post-harvest losses are 
considerable. The various challenges of crop production in Pakistan include insufficient irrigation, limited adoption of modern farming techniques, various plant pests, irregular rainfall, inadequate storage facilities, low-quality seeds, farm fragmentation, and natural disasters such as the 2010 
flooding.  
Table 4.2 Area and production of important crops, 2009-14  
(Area "000" hectares and production "000" tonnes) 
Crops 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14  
Area 
 
Production 
 
 
Area 
 
Production 
 
 
Area 
 
Production 
 
 
Area 
 
Production 
 
Area 
 
Production 
Wheat 9,132 23,311 8,901 25,214 8,649.8 23,473.4 8,660.2 24,211.4 9,039.0 25,285.6 
Maize 935 3,261 974 3,707 1,087.4 4,338.4 1,059.5 4,220.1 1,116.6 4,527.2 
Rice 2,883 6,883 2,365 4,823 2,571.2 6,160.4 2,308.8 5,535.9 2,789.2 6,798.1 
Sugar-
cane 943 49,373 988 55,309 1,057.5 58,397.0 1,128.8 63,749.9 1,172.5 66,469.0 
Tobacco 56 119 51 103       
Cottona 3,106 12,913 2,689 11,460 2,834.5 13,595.0 2,878.8 13,030.7 2,805.7 12,769.0 
Oil 
seeds 693 4,940 664 4,618 713 5,102 588 5,566 .. .. 
.. Not available. 
a Cotton production is in thousand bales (375 lbs per bale). Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.  
4.2.3.1.1  Wheat 
4.22.  Wheat is the major crop of Pakistan and the most important source of food calories.16 With 
the objective of ensuring food security, Pakistan's agriculture policy is largely focused on the enhancement of wheat production. In recent ye ars, Pakistan's annual wheat output has been 
between 23 and 26 million tonnes, grown predom inantly by small-and medium-sized farms. 
Average productivity is still low, but yields have been rising slowly over the past years.
17 
Historically, wheat has been an import-competing crop, but in 2011 and 2012 Pakistan's wheat 
exports significantly exceeded imports, while in 2013 Pakistan again became a net wheat importer. 
The MFN tariff for wheat is 10%. 
4.23.  The Government's wheat policy aims to balance support to farm incomes with price stability 
and affordable flour and bread prices for consumers. It maintains a guaranteed wheat price, which 
is PRs 1,300 per 40 kg in 2014/15. Inter-provincial movement of wheat and flour may be 
restricted in order to stabilize prices across the country; according to the authorities this has happened once since Pakistan's last Review, in 2013 in Punjab. 
                                               
15 Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (2012). Compared wi th the previous census conducted in 2000, the total 
number of farms had increased by 25%, while their size had decreased by 16%. 
16 Wheat provides more than 50% of the caloric ener gy in an average diet; per capita consumption of 
wheat is 124 kg per year. 
17 FAO (2013). It has been estimated, for example, that irrigated wheat in Punjab, Pakistan's primary 
production area, could attain yields of about 6 tonnes/ha , compared with current yiel ds of 2.5 to 3 tonnes/ha. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.24.  The Government procures around one-third of domestic wheat production. Wheat stocks are 
held by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Se rvices Corporation (PASSCO), a public company, 
and food departments of provincial governments. While the Government generally aims to maintain one million tonnes as strategic reserve, it has been noted that the Government's 
interventions in the wheat market create substant ial market and investment distortions and result 
in significant losses to the economy.
18 
4.2.3.1.2  Rice 
4.25.  Rice is Pakistan's most important agricultural export product with exports amounting to 
nearly US$5 billion in 2013. Rice exporters must belong to the Rice Exporters Association. Exports of basmati rice are subject to mandatory quality inspection and certification. In addition, exports are subject to minimum export prices
19, i.e. per metric tonne: US$1,500 for Super Basmati, 
US$1,300 for Basmati, US$1,000 for IPRI-9 (long grain), and US$750 for IPRI-6. No support 
prices have been in place since 2012; prices are market-determined. The MFN tariff for rice imports is 10% (1% for seed rice). 
4.26.  In 2008, Pakistan raised a Specific Trade Concern (STC) in relation to an import ban 
imposed by Mexico on rice from Pakistan due to the Khapra beetle.
20 Following bilateral 
consultations, Mexico announced in March 2010, that it had removed the absolute restrictions on 
rice imports and replaced it with partial restrictions.21 
4.2.3.1.3  Sugar cane 4.27.  Pakistan produced around 66.5 million tonnes of sugar cane in 2013/14, resulting in an 
output of 5.58 million tonnes of sugar. Sugar prod uction has shown an increasing trend, driven 
mainly by increased demand for sugar from the food sector and changing consumption patterns.
22 
4.28.  The Government sets an annual indicative price for sugar cane, with the price increasing 
from PRs 80 per 40 kg in 2008-09 to PRs 170 in 2014/15. The Government occasionally buys 
excess stocks of sugar from sugar mills through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan.  
4.29.  To guarantee minimum levels of domestic consumption, sugar exports have been subject, 
since 2012, to a quota set annually by the Economic  Coordination Committee of the Cabinet. The 
quota amounted to 1.2 million tonnes in 2012/13 and to 2.5 million tonnes in 2013/14; no quota 
for 2014/15 had been fixed as at November 2014. For exported sugar, an inland freight subsidy of PRs 1.75/kg was paid to the sugar mills betw een January 2013 and July 2014; payments under 
this scheme totaled PRs 2.1 billion. Since 2013, lo cal sales of raw sugar are subject to a reduced 
excise duty rate of 0.5% (instead of 0.8%) as long  as they are equivalent to the quantity actually 
exported.
23 Imports of sugar are subject to an MFN tariff of 25%, up from 15% in 2007. Imports 
and exports have varied strongly since Pakistan's last Review, in correlation to annual yields. In 
2013, however, Pakistan's sugar exports surged to attain US$492 million. 
4.2.3.1.4  Cotton 4.30.  Pakistan is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world. Cotton is cultivated by around 
1.6 million farmers, mostly with smallholdings of less than five hectares. Yields have been largely 
stagnant for the last several years. Cotton is exported as a raw material, but also provides an essential input to the domestic textiles industry.  
4.31.  The Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC) , a semi-autonomous body in the Ministry of 
Textile Industry has as an objective to improve the sector's productivity. Its annual budget of 
PRs 500 to 600 million is funded by a cess payable by the mills. Support prices for cotton were abandoned in 2008. Export contracts on cotton must  be registered, with exports being subject to 
mandatory quality inspection and certification.  
                                               
18 FAO (2013). 
19 SRO (I)/2008. 
20 WTO SPS Specific Trade Concern 270. 
21 Notification G/SPS/N/MEX/184/Add.1, 29 January 2010. 
22 Lahore Chamber of Commer ce and Industry (2013). 
23 Special Regulatory Order No. 77(1)/2013.  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.32.  Exports of raw cotton amounted to US$217 million in 2013, whereas exports of cotton yarn 
amounted to US$2.2 billion. Pakistan also import s high-quality cotton, to blend with domestic 
cotton and to produce quality fabrics; imports amounted to US$757 million of raw cotton and US$151 million of cotton yarn in 2013. The average MFN tariff on cotton imports is 3.8%, with 
tariffs ranging from 1% to 10%.  
4.2.3.1.5  Tobacco 4.33.  Tobacco is an important cash crop, grow n mainly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The 
Pakistan Tobacco Board, a semi-autonomous depart ment of the Ministry of Commerce, promotes 
and regulates the production of tobacco and related products. Pre-sowing marketing contracts between growers and the few manufacturers are nego tiated based on minimum prices fixed by the 
Board. Tobacco companies must notify their annual tobacco requirements in October and execute 
grower agreements by end-December of each year ; these must be submitted to the Board. Over-
quota production is purchased at lower pric es and growers cannot carry over under-quota 
production to future years. Minimum and maximum prices are set  by type and grade, which can 
vary across areas. Two committees (one each in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) calculate 
growing costs for consideration by the Price and Grade Revision Committee, which includes representatives of all stakeholders and recommends minimum prices to the Board.
24 Import tariffs 
are 5% for unmanufactured tobacco and 25% for to bacco products, with cigarettes being subject 
to excise taxes (Section 3.2.4.5). The weighted average tobacco price received by growers from each tobacco manufacturer cannot be lower than in the preceding year. The Board is funded by a cess levied on tobacco production; depending on the crop type, the cess varies between PRs 1.05 
and 1.80 per kilogramme.
25 In 2013, Pakistan exported tobacco and tobacco products worth 
US$6.4 million. 
4.2.3.1.6  Oilseeds and edible oils 
4.34.  Pakistan is an important importer of oilseeds and edible oils. Imports of edible oils in 2013 
amounted to US$1,975 million, while imports of oilseeds stood at US$1,437 million. Domestic oilseed production has been increasing (Table 4.2. ); it covers about a quarter of consumption and 
consists of cotton seed, sunflower seed, and rapeseed. Pakistan's average MFN tariff on oilseeds is 
9.1%.  
4.35.  The Pakistan Oilseed Development Board, a government department established in 1995, 
promotes the oilseed sector, which mostly consists of canola, sunflower, cotton, and oil palm. Its 
activities are funded from a fee of PRs 0.05 per kg levied on imported edible oils and from 10% of 
the tariff duty collected on oilseeds imported for crushing. The Board also operates three mini-oilseed processing plants for processing quality sowing seed. Oilseed prices are set in the market.  
4.2.3.1.7  Other 
4.36.  Pakistan is an important producer of frui ts and nuts, mainly for domestic consumption. In 
2012-13, production amounted to 2.3 million to nnes of citrus fruits, 1.7 million tonnes of 
mangoes, 0.7 million tonnes of apples, and 0. 5 million tonnes of guavas. Other important 
agricultural goods cultivated in Pakistan include potatoes, onions, pulses, chili, and other vegetables. 
4.2.3.2  Livestock and dairy production 
4.37.  The livestock sector contributes about half of the value added in the agriculture sector, 
amounting to aROUND 11.8% to Pakistan's GDP. An estimated 30 to 35 million rural Pakistanis are engaged in livestock-raising, mostly as small-scale livestock keepers. Since Pakistan's last Review, 
population of all types of livestock has increased (Table 4.3). The poultry sector, for which no 
official figures are available, also appears to have grown strongly.
26 The average MFN tariff on 
                                               
24 Minimum prices are fixed taking into account in creases in growers' costs of production; minimum 
prices and weighted average prices of  tobacco; inflation; world tobacco trends; price rises allowed for other 
agricultural commodities; and the industry’s  wholesale price index of raw materials. 
25 SRO 129(I)/2011, replacing SRO 611(1)/2010.  
26 Veterinary Hub online information, 20 June 2013, available at: 
http://www.veterinaryhub.com/economic-survey-of-pakistan-livestock-sector/ . WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  imports of live animals and products thereof (HS Se ction I) is 11.2%, with tariffs ranging from 1% 
to 25%. 
Table 4.3 Livestock population, 2006-13  
('000) 
Species 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13
Cattle 30,674 31,829 33,029 34,285 35,568 30,812 33,680 
Buffaloes 28,146 29,001 29,883 29,413 31,726 32,689 33,680 
Sheep 26,794 27,111 27,432 27,757 28,086 28,418 28,755 
Goats 55,244 56,741 58,279 59,858 61,480 63,047 64,858 
Source: Information provided by the Pakistani authorities. 
4.38.  Within the livestock sector, milk is th e single most important commodity. Annual milk 
production is estimated at around 50 million tonnes (up from around 40 million tonnes in 2008), 
making Pakistan the fourth largest milk producer in the world. Most of the milk is marketed unprocessed; barely 2% of the traded milk is processed by the dairy industry. Despite this 
relatively small share, the sub-sector appears to have strongly benefitted from technology transfer 
provided by multinational food companies, resulting in higher productivity, better product quality and ultimately higher farmer incomes.
27 
4.39.  The share of the formal segment still appears to be very low compared to the informal 
market. However, it has been observed that the livestock sector has been experiencing a 
significant technological upgrade in recent years, with growing vertical integration and a focus on new processing techniques based on international hygiene and health standards.
28 At the same 
time, demand for meat and dairy products has increased due to population growth, urbanization 
and increase in per capita income. Today, Pakist an's yield per animal is among the highest in 
countries of comparable socio-economic and climatic conditions.29 
4.40.  The public-private Livestock and Dairy Development Board (LDDB), operational since 2007, 
has as an objective to promote the development of the livestock, poultry, dairy, and meat sectors, 
including through financial assistance. LDDB gene rates its funds through its own business without 
receiving regular funds from the Government. The Pakistan Dairy Development Company (PDDC) 
is a public-private partnership with the aim of bringing about structural change in the dairy 
industry through capacity-building and research.  
4.41.  In July 2013, the Government decided to ban exports of livestock from 1 October 2013 with 
a view to encouraging exports of processed meat products and providing other by-products to 
secondary industries.30 The measure has not been notified to WTO. 
4.2.3.3  Fisheries 
4.42.  Pakistan has a coastline of some 1,120 kilometres and is rich in marine fishery resources. 
The fisheries subsector contributes around 0.44% to Pakistan's GDP. A large share of the population of the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan depends on fisheries for livelihood. Exports of fish and crustaceans (HS Chapter 3) amounted to US$333 million in 2013, whereas 
imports stood at US$11.6 million. Pakistan's MFN tariffs on fish and fishery products (WTO 
definition) range from 1% to 20%, with an average of 10.7%. 
4.43.  At the Ministerial Conference in Bali, Pakistan, together with other Members, reiterated its 
commitment to agreeing on ambitious and effective disciplines on fisheries subsidies. In particular, 
Pakistan supports the prohibition of harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity.
31 
4.44.  Fishing within territorial waters (up to twelve nautical miles) is under provincial 
responsibility, while deep sea fishing is regu lated by the federal government. The Fisheries 
                                               
27 Burki A., Khan M. (2008). 
28 State Bank of Pakistan (2014b). 
29 FAO (2011). 
30 SRO No. 969(I)/2013. 
31 WTO document WT/MIN(13)/49, 18 December 2013. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Development Board (FDB), established in 2007, has the objective of promoting Pakistan's fisheries 
sector. To promote the export of sea food, the Government granted a subsidy of 25% of freight 
cost to such products exported by air between 2009 and 2012.32  
4.45.  Production from aquaculture has increa sed strongly in recent years, from around 
80,000 tonnes in 2005 to 143,000 tonnes in 2012.33 There are some 12,000 aqua-farms, mostly 
located in the Sindh and Punjab provinces, which mainly produce carp. The FDB promotes the production of shrimp and high-value fish (such as tilapia and pangasius) through the distribution of 
fish seed and training programmes. Publicly-funded research and training on inland fisheries and 
aquaculture is provided by the Fisheries Research and Training Institute based in Lahore. 
4.2.3.4  Forestry 4.46.  Forestry contributes around 0.44% to Pakistan's GDP, with production being mainly for fuel-
wood. Less than 4% of land is covered with forests. Some 43,000 hectares of forest are cleared 
annually, which corresponds to the highest deforestation rate in Asia.
34 Forest conservation and 
timber harvesting is regulated at the provincial le vel, while the Pakistan Forest Institute provides 
research and training services for the sustainable development of Pakistan's forestry sector at the 
federal level. 
4.3  Mining, Energy and Water 
4.3.1  Mining and quarrying 
4.47.  Mining and quarrying contribute around 3% to Pakistan's GDP. Pakistan has deposits of 
several minerals including coal, copper, gold, chromite, mineral salt, and bauxite. Coal reserves in the Thar region are estimated to be around 175 b illion tonnes, the second largest proven reserves 
in the world. Exports of ores and other minerals amounted to US$468 million in 2013 (up from 
US$140 million in 2007), while imports were US$846 million.  
4.48.  All minerals, except petroleum and nuclear minerals, which are owned by the federal state, 
are constitutionally owned by the provinces. Provincial governments are responsible for the 
regulation of mining operations, including exploration, mineral development and safety issues. Federal responsibilities include geological su rveys and mapping, national and international 
coordination, and formulation of national policies . A National Mineral Policy was adopted in 2013, 
which seeks to increase the economic contribution of the mining sector, attract foreign investment capital for the sector, ensure effective coordination between federal and provincial institutions, encourage small-scale mining, and ensure that mineral exploitation and production are 
environmentally sustainable. 
4.49.  Royalties are imposed by provincial governments. Income tax for mining companies is 35%, 
and there is an additional profits tax (APT), wh ich is payable by large-scale mining companies 
depending on the rate of return.
35 Pakistani nationals are given preference in small-scale mining 
projects. Import tariffs on mineral products (H S chapter 05) range from 1% to 11%, with an 
average of 7.8%. 
4.3.2  Energy 
4.50.  Natural gas represents the main source of energy in Pakistan, accounting for 49.5% of 
primary energy supplies in 2012.36 Oil (30.8%), hydro-power (10.5%) and coal (6.6%) are also 
significant in the energy mix, while nuclear power contributes 2%. In recent years, small initiatives 
have explored solar and wind power as well as en ergy from bagasse, but their contribution is still 
marginal.  
                                               
32 Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2009-12. 
33 FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Info rmation and Statistics Service. 
34 FAO (2007). 
35 The APT is determined based on a three-tier mechanism and is payable only when the project 
achieves the threshold level of profitability: APT will be  10% if the after-tax real rate of return exceeds 15%, 
the second tier with a 15% tax becomes payable once the profitability levels exceed 20%, the third tier with a 
tax of 18% is payable when the rate  of return is higher than 25%. 
36 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources (2013a). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.3.2.1  Hydrocarbons 
4.51.  Federal policies for the petroleum and gas sectors are formulated by the Ministry of 
Petroleum and Natural Resources. The independent Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) regulates the oil and gas sectors. It sets standards and issues licences for storage and distribution, 
and sets household and residential prices for oil and gas. As at November 2014, numerous 
companies in the oil and gas sector were still partially state-owned, but slated for privatization (Section 3.4.3.1). The oil and gas sector has also been a major recipient of foreign investment 
(Section 1.7). 
4.3.2.2  Petroleum 4.52.  Pakistan's oil reserves were estimated at 342 million barrels in 2012, up from 327 million 
barrels in 2008. Against the background of modest reserves, installed extraction capacity is also 
limited. Annual production amounts to some 24 to 25 million barrels, of which the state-owned Oil 
and Gas Development Company accounts for almost 60%. Around 65% of crude oil consumption is imported. OGRA sets prices of petroleum products in accordance with a formula which includes 
import or refinery prices, transport costs, a dealer margin, and taxes. No subsidy is provided on 
petroleum products. A new oil and gas exploration policy was adopted in 2012
37, the principal 
objectives of which being to accelerate exploration and production activities in Pakistan and to 
promote foreign investment in the oil and gas sector.   
4.53.  Pakistan's MFN tariff on crude petroleum is 1%, while tariffs on petroleum products range 
from 1% to 25%. A petroleum levy applies to diffe rent petroleum products; for motor gasoline, for 
example, it amounts to PRs 10 per litre. The Government maintains a strategic petroleum reserve 
equivalent to about 20 days of consumption. In 2013, Pakistan imported crude petroleum and 
petroleum products for US$14.7 billion, primarily from the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. 
4.3.2.3  Natural gas 
4.54.  Pakistan's natural gas reserves were estimated at 26.6 trillion cubic feet in 2012, but could 
be exhausted by 2025.
38 Pipeline infrastructure has been expanded significantly in the past years; 
the natural gas distribution network increased from 91,130 kilometres in 2007 to 
134,489 kilometres in 2013. Construction for a gas pipeline from Iran started in 2013 (Section 4.5.4.1.4). In 2013, Pakistan imported liquefied gas for US$85.4 million, mainly from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Domestic production amounted to 4.125 million cubic 
feet per day in 2013.
39 The MFN tariff on various type s of liquefied gas is 1%.  
4.55.  OGRA sets maximum prices of gas for various types of consumer (e.g. residential, 
commercial, and industrial) as well as cement, fertilizer, and chemical factories. Consumer gas 
prices are reviewed bi-annually. Residential consumers are cross-subsidized by industrial, power, 
and commercial gas users. With a view to pr omoting the development of a competitive gas 
market, OGRA issued the Natural Gas (Regulated Third Party Access) Rules in April 2012 to 
establish principles for allowing access to natural gas pipelines. However, to date, transmission 
and distribution remain dominated by two state-owned companies, Sui Southern Gas Company and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines.  
4.56.  The Government plans to address supply sh ortages through imports of liquefied natural gas 
(LNG). In this regard an LNG services agreement was signed with Qatar in April 2014, with imports 
scheduled to commence in early 2015. An LNG terminal is under construction at Port Qasim. 
4.57.  The National Gas Efficiency Project, which has been implemented since 2012, has the 
objective of reducing gas loses. Furthermore the Gas (Theft Control and Recovery) Ordinance 2014 
was promulgated, which would further help in reducing losses.  
                                               
37 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources (2012). 
38 Ministry of Finance (2014). 
39 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources (2014). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.3.2.4  Electricity 
4.58.  Policies for the electricity subsector are fo rmulated by the Ministry of Water and Power, 
while the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is the regulator. NEPRA licences generation, transmission, and distribution companies, suggests tariffs to the Ministry, and 
prescribes standards. Tariffs are different for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural 
consumers. Residential tariffs depend strongly on the household's total electricity consumption. 
4.59.  Pakistan's single most important producer of electricity, Water and Power Development 
Authority (WAPDA), generates hydro-electricity only, whereas Pakistan Electric Power Company 
(PEPCO) is vested with the responsibility of th ermal power generation. Transmission is mainly 
undertaken by National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC)
40, whereas distribution is in 
the hands of nine companies. WA PDA, PEPCO, NTDC and the distribution companies are all state-
owned.41 Independent power producers (IPPs) have increased in importance in recent years; they 
are assured non-discriminatory access to the transmission system. Private sector participation in the electricity sector has also increased through the partial privatization of K-Electric (formerly 
KESC) in May 2008.  
4.60.  Installed capacity for electricity generation has grown at a relatively low pace since 
Pakistan's last Review (Table 4.4). Around one-third of electricity is produced by oil-fired power 
stations.  
Table 4.4 Electricity, installed capacity, 2007-13 
(In MV)  
 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Hydro-electricity (WAPDA) 6,444 6,444 6,444 6,444 6,516 6,516 6,612 
Hydro-electricity (IPPs) 30 111 111 111 129 214 214 
Thermal (PEPCO) 4,834 4,899 4,900 4,885 4,720 4,720 4,720 
Thermal (K-Electric) 1,756 1,756 1,846 1,946 1,821 2,381 2,381 
Thermal (Other IPP) 6,166 6,560 6,793 7,745 9,354 8,938 8,899 
Nuclear 462 462 462 462 787 787 787 
Wind 0 0 0 0 0 1 50 
Total  19,692 20,232 20,556 21,593 23,327 23,557 23,663 
Source: State of the Industry Report 2010, 2013. 
4.61.  Chronic electricity shortages and high electricity prices are a serious problem for Pakistan's 
economy, with resulting losses estimated at 4% to 7% of GDP, and have a severe impact on the 
quality of life.42 Due to fast growing demand, fuel supply limitations and seasonal variations in the 
availability of hydropower, the gap between supply and demand of electricity, currently estimated 
at some 5GW, is resulting in routine load-shedding of several hours daily. Moreover, power 
transmission and distribution are highly ineffici ent, resulting in losses of some 23-25%, due to 
poor infrastructure, mismanagement, and theft of electricity.43 Finally, an ill-designed tariff 
structure acts as a disincentive for households to save energy and brings with it considerable 
implicit subsidies to the middle class.44  
4.62.  A major factor behind power shortages has been the problem of recurring "circular debt" in 
the subsector's supply chain, caused by poor recovery of dues (including from the Government) 
and inflexible or politicized tariffs that are frequently lower than production costs. The Government 
usually pays off a portion of debts when power producers are about to sue for default, enabling them to start generating again. The cash flow pr oblems of the subsector have reduced generation 
and also undermined the level of maintenance required to operate generating units at maximum 
efficiency. As at March 2014, outstanding dues to power producers amounted to PRs 270 billion. 
                                               
40 An exception is Karachi, where transmission is handled by K-Electric. 
41 The distribution companies have been suggested for privatization for fiscal year 2014-15. 
42 Ministry of Water and Power (2013). 
43 Ministry of Water and Power (2013). The costs of theft alone are estimated at PRs 140 billion per 
year.  
44 State Bank of Pakistan (2013), p.45. This has been a major demand-side factor in the build-up of the 
circular debt problem, as households consume nearly ha lf of total electricity produced. It has been estimated 
that in 2014 the average cost of generation and distribution exceeded the average tariff by PRs 5.5/KWh. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.63.  Against the background of the numerous seve re problems in Pakistan's energy sector, the 
Government has formulated a National Power Policy.45 Its main objectives are to increase energy 
supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production. Projects to increase energy supply include: the construction of two major hydro-electric power stations (Diamer-Basher and 
Dasu), the construction of ten coal-fired power plants in Gadani with an installed capacity of 
6,600 MW, the completion of two additional nuclear power plants, the construction of new LNG import terminals, and an increased use of alte rnative energy. The new Policy also tackles price 
distortions and poorly targeted subsidies, while in sufficient collection and non-payment of dues are 
to be addressed through changes in the penal law. 
4.64.  Under the new Policy, tariff differential subsid ies are to be phased out and tariffs should be 
brought to cost recovery levels. In this respect National Electric Power Regulatory Authority 
(NEPRA) has already notified a 4% increase in the weighted average notified tariff in 2013/14, 
which would result in halving the electricity subsidy to 0.5% of GDP by 2014/15.  
4.65.  Around 30% of the population still does not have access to electricity.
46 Between 2008 and 
2013, 62,456 villages have benefited from an electrification programme run by WAPDA and 
financed from the general budget.47 
4.66.  Pakistan's electric grid is connected only to  Iran; however, imports of electrical energy have 
been limited in recent years, with a maximum of 140 MWh in 2011. Connecting Pakistan's grid to 
India has been under consideration for a number of years; the authorities indicate that a memorandum of understanding is under preparat ion. The MFN tariff on electricity is 1%. 
4.3.3  Water 
4.67.  The Ministry of Water and Power is respon sible for formulating national water policies. The 
Indus River System Authority allocates Indus waters, the primary water source for Punjab and Sindh. WAPDA is in charge of infrastructure development and hydroelectric power generation. It is 
also responsible for addressing waterlogging and soil salinization. Over 90% of Pakistan's water 
resources are allocated to irrigation and other ag ricultural needs. Around 91% of the population 
had access to clean water in 2012.
48 Challenges for water management include: irregular rainfall, 
a generally dry climate, increasing demand, and high and growing groundwater salinity.  
4.68.  Access to an adequate supply of water for al l (agriculture, industry and domestic users) is 
one of the priorities of Pakistan Vision 2025. This is to be achieved through an increase in storage 
capacity, a reduction in waste, and a more effective allocation through better institutional 
mechanisms. 
4.4  Manufacturing 4.4.1  Main features and policy objectives 
4.69.  Manufacturing contributes around 13% to  Pakistan's GDP and employs some 14% of the 
labour force. Policies for the subsector are formulated by the Ministry of Industries and Production. In the Doha Round, Pakistan underlines the need to build upon the 2008 modalities on NAMA.
49 
4.70.  The Government attaches particular importance to the manufacturing sector. This includes 
the transition towards more value added activities such as light engineering, pharmaceutical and surgical industries and high-quality textile garments. It recognizes the considerable challenges that need to be addressed, such as the high cost of doing business, outdated technologies, and 
unskilled labour. Furthermore, the manufacturing sector has particularly suffered from power cuts 
                                               
45 Ministry of Water and Power (2013). Improving energy supply also figures prominently in the 
Government's Pakistan Vision 2025 (Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reform (2014)). 
46 World Bank database, available online at: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS . 
47 Pakistan Economic Review 2012-13. 
48 Wold Bank, World Development Indicators database. 
49 WTO document WT/MIN(13)/ST/67, 5 December 2013. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  and high electricity prices. As a consequence, many producers have opted for alternate sources of 
energy such as captive power plants and diesel-run generators.50 
4.71.  Approximately ten manufacturing enterprises are still state-owned; these include Pakistan 
Steel Mills and National Fertilizers Corporation al though the Government has slated these SOEs for 
privatization.  
4.72.  Numerous manufactured imports have be en subject to anti-dumping measures since 
Pakistan's last Review (Section 3.2.7.1). Goods affected include tiles, paperboard, hydrogen 
peroxide, and polypropylene. "Regulatory duties" on exports have been imposed on various metals 
(copper, aluminium, iron, lead) in different forms and yarn (Section 3.3.2). Export prohibitions have been in place on certain chemicals, liquor, urea, and various other fertilizers (Section 3.2.3.1). 
4.73.  Various incentives are available for manufacturing companies; these include assistance to 
exporters through the Export Development Fund, a duty drawback scheme, support for specific 
activities such as subsidies for obtaining standards certification (all Section 3.3.4), export 
processing zones (Section 3.3.6), and various export finance facilities (Section 3.3.5). 
4.74.  Numerous industrial products have be en subject to ad hoc measures under SROs.
51 These 
goods include toilet soap52; hybrid electric vehicles53; inputs for air conditioners, freezers, and 
refrigerators54; and tractors and certain buses.55 Various SROs particularly apply to passenger cars 
(see Section 4.4.2.3 below). SRO 568(I)/2014 of 26 June 2014 introduced "regulatory import duties" of 5% on a vast range of manufactured products (more than 100 tariff lines), including cosmetics, marble and various natural stones, cooking ranges, fans, and freezers. As in other 
sectors of the economy, the use of SROs as policy instruments strongly reduces the transparency 
and predictability of the trading regime, increases its complexity, and ultimately supports a culture of rent-seeking. 
4.75.  The average MFN tariff on manufactured goods (ISIC Rev.2 definition) is 14.8%, with tariffs 
ranging from 1% to 100%. However, numerous ma nufactured goods have been subject to tariff 
concessions or ad hoc changes under SROs (Sec tion 3.2.4.5). Imports of manufactures (SITC 
Rev.3 definition) amounted to US$20.5 billion in 2013, up from US$17.8 billion in 2007. Imports 
are dominated by machinery and transport equipm ent, and chemicals. Exports of manufactures 
increased from US$14.3 billion in 2007 to US$18.5 bi llion in 2013. Textiles and clothing are by far 
Pakistan's most important export product, followed by chemicals and other semi-manufactures. 
4.4.2  Key sub-sectors 
4.4.2.1  Food processing 4.76.  Food and beverages processing, one of Pakistan's major industrial sectors, consists mainly 
of fresh (fruit juice and pulp) and processed (dri ed) fruits (mangoes, citrus, apples and guavas) 
and vegetables (potatoes, onions, and mushrooms) , confectionery, cereals, biscuits, and bread. 
Significant components of food processing are the edible oil (manufacturing mainly vegetable ghee 
and cooking oil) and sugar industries. Processed foods and beverages are protected by relatively 
high tariffs; the average tariff in ISIC 2-digit category "food, beverages and tobacco" is 17.3% (17.7% in 2007/08).  
4.77.  Flour milling is heavily regulated, under  the Flour Mills (Control) Order of 1959. This 
includes licensing of mills, requirements for procuring wheat from particular sources, and fixed 
prices for flour sales.  
                                               
50 State Bank of Pakistan (2014b), p.13. 
51 SROs described in the footnotes indicate the da te of the first policy measure. However, later 
amendments to the origin al SRO occur frequently. 
52 SRO 559(I)/2008, providing for a tariff exemption of 15% under certain conditions. 
53 SRO 499(I)/2013, providing for tariff and tax exemptions under certain conditions. 
54 SRO 565(I)/2006, providing for tariff exemptions under condition that inputs are used for local 
production. 
55 SRO 693(I)/2006, levying additional customs duties on tractors and certain buses. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.78.  Pakistan's only brewery, Murree Brewery Company Ltd, is a private monopoly, producing for 
non-Muslims in two manufacturing plants. The importation and exportation of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.  
4.4.2.2  Textiles and clothing 
4.79.  Pakistan remains a leading exporter of textiles and clothing. Based on locally grown and 
imported cotton, and concentrated in the preliminary processing stages, it is dominated by cotton textiles (cotton yarn and cloth, made-up textiles), clothing, synthetic fibres (polyester yarn and 
acrylic fibres), carpets, and jute products. Most textile exports are lower-value coarse and medium 
yarns.  
4.80.  Policies for the subsector are formulated  b y  t h e  M i n i s t r y  o f  T e x t i l e  I n d u s t r y .  T h e  
Government's objectives for the sector were laid down in the Textiles Policy 2009-14; their most 
important objective was to double exports of textiles and clothing by 2014 by increasing them to 
US$25 billion.
56 These objectives were to be achieved through a stronger focus on high-quality and 
high value added products, subsidies for the modernization of machinery, skills development, and 
a generally enabling environment for exporters. A new Textile Policy 2014-19 was under 
preparation as at November 2014. It aims to furt her promote high value added activities, improve 
productivity and establish new garment cities.  
4.81.  The average MFN tariff on textiles and textile articles (HS Chapter XI) is 18.7%, with tariffs 
ranging from 1% to 25%. Exports of textiles and clothing amounted to US$13.9 billion in 2013, up 
from US$11.7 billion in 2007. The most important subcategories are clothing (US$4.5 billion), bed and table linen (US$2.9 billion), and cotton yarn (US $2.3 billion). Pakistan's exports of textiles and 
clothing depend strongly on market access conditions in major trading partners, including 
unilateral preferences. Imports of textiles and clothing amounted to US$1.3 billion in 2013, up from US$641 million in 2007.  
4.4.2.3  Automotive sector 
4.82.  Pakistan's car market is highly concentrated. Just eight models, made by three multinational 
firms, account for most car sales in the country. Production of cars, buses and tractors has been 
stagnant in recent years, while the output of motorcycles has slightly increased (Table 4.5). 
Table 4.5 Production in the automotive sector, 2007-14 
Product 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
Cars 164,870 84,814 121,790 133,983 154,255 120,571 116,680 
Buses 1,160 707 716 577 693 650 822 
Tractors 54,397 60,684 72,989 72,261 48,898 51,977 35,228 
Motorcycles 1,056,377 905,126 1,377,505 1,604,677 1,626,754 1,599,838 1,651,750 
Source: Ministry of Industri es and Production (EDB). 
4.83.  The automotive sector attracts the highest tariff levels of all goods, as high as 100% (up 
from 75% in 2007/08). Tariffs for most components are 35%, while tariffs on motorcycles are 
65%. Three SROs are of particular importance for the automotive sector: SRO 656(I)/2006 
authorizes imports of completely knocked-down (CKD) kits and other inputs at concessionary duties; SRO 655(I)/2006 allows the importation of certain raw-material, components and other 
inputs at reduced rates; and SRO 693(I)/2006, which contains 40 pages with parts and 
components that have been localized and that attract additional duties when imported. Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) is the lobbying mechanism of Pakistan's car 
assemblers and manufacturers. Employment in car assembly counts about 6,000 persons. Imports 
of automotive products and other transport equipment amounted to US$2.6 billion in 2013, whereas exports stood at only US$0.06 billion. 
4.84.  Used vehicles may be imported under a "special regime" where taxes are levied on the basis 
of engine capacity (Table 4.6). Buses, vans and trucks are excluded from this regime.  
                                               
56 Ministry of Textile Industry (2009). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table 4.6 Taxes for imported vehicles (Special Regime) 
Type of vehicle Taxes (US$)
Up to 800 cc (Asian makes only) 4,800 
Up to 800 cc (other than Asian makes) 7,200 
From 801 cc to 1000 cc 6,000 
From 1001 cc to 1300 cc 12,000 
From 1301 cc to 1500 cc 16,900 
From 1501 cc to 1600 cc 20,500 
From 1601 cc to 1800 cc excluding jeeps (Asian makes only) 25,400 
Source: Pakistan Federal Budget 2014-15. 
4.85.  High levels of protection and limited local competition lead to prices for passenger cars in 
Pakistan that are significantly higher than in other countries (Chart 4.1). Taken as a whole, Pakistan's current automotive policy is highly complex and distortive. It benefits insiders, guaranteeing high profits for foreign-owned a ssemblers, but creates only limited employment, 
provides little technology transfer, and results in high final prices for Pakistan's consumers. 
Chart 4.1 Price of a standard car - worl d market, domestically manufactured, and 
imported 
(In US$) 
05,00010,00015,00020,00025,00030,00035,000
Japan Pakistan ImportedSpecial Federal Excise Duty
Income tax
Sales tax
Custom duty
Freight, insurance and other charges
FOB value
 
Note: Based on a Toyota Corolla 2014, 1300cc. The customs tariff for the selected model is 60% of c.i.f. 
value. Sales tax is 17.5% of the c.i.f. value plus  customs duty. Income tax is 5% of c.i.f. plus 
custom duty and sales tax. Special Federal Exci se Duty is 1% of c.i.f. plus custom duty. 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations. 
4.86.  The authorities indicate that a new Auto Development Policy 2014-2019 was under 
preparation as at November 2014. The main policy objectives are to realize horizontal and vertical growth of the industry, to increase government revenues through market expansion rather than 
through higher taxation, and to provide greater ch oices to consumers. This is to be achieved 
through lower entry thresholds for new investments, a rational import policy for used vehicles, and the creation of an enabling tariff structure for the automotive sector. 
4.4.2.4  Other 
4.87.  Pakistan has substantially increased its capacity for cement production in recent years. 
Output increased from 24.3 million tonnes in 2007/08 to 34.3 million tonnes in 2013/14. Demand has been driven by the construction sector, infrastructure programmes, and large public sector 
projects in neighboring countries. In recent years, Pakistan has exported almost one quarter of its 
cement production, making it the fifth largest exporter in the world. In 2013, exports amounted to WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  US$529 million. Its main export markets are Afghanis tan, Sri Lanka, India and some countries in 
Sub-Saharan Africa.  
4.88.  Pakistan is also an important producer of fertilizers. Producers of urea from specific plants 
benefit from a lower price of feed gas, a major inpu t. Imports of fertilizer are subject to a tariff of 
1%. 
4.5  Services 4.5.1  Main features and policy objectives 
4.89.  The share of services in GDP increased slightly during the review period, and was 58.1% in 
2013/14. In terms of employment, wholesale an d retail trade, and transport, storage, and 
communications have remained by far the leading service activities.  
4.90.  Pakistan's GATS Schedule of Specific Commitments covers 47 activities within the financial 
(banking and insurance), business, communicati ons, construction/engineering, health, and 
tourism/travel services.
57 Certain general (i.e. horizontal) market-access and national-treatment 
limitations relate to commercial presence or the presence of natural persons (e.g. presence of 
foreign executives or specialists, expenses of repr esentative office, authorization for acquisition of 
real estate by foreign firms). Cross-border su pply of services is unbound for all sectors. 
Commercial presence in certain sectors (e.g. insurance, banking) is subject to equity limits or 
other specific conditions. Pakistan listed MFN exemptions in financial services to preserve 
reciprocity requirements, Islamic financing transactions, and joint ventures among Economic Cooperation Organization countries, as well as in telecommunications, favouring countries or operators with bilateral agreements with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited on 
accounting rates.
58 Pakistan did not participate in the WTO negotiations on maritime transport 
services.  
4.91.  Pakistan's initial services offer under the current Doha Round of multilateral negotiations 
was submitted in 2005 and covered 65 activities in nine sectors.59 It has not submitted a revised 
offer. Pakistan's particular interests in services lie in getting predictable market access, particularly in modes 1 and 4.  
4.92.  Pakistan is a participant in the negotiations on a trade in services agreement (TISA). The 
authorities indicate that Pakistan's initial offer is under preparation. 
4.93.  Initiatives under the Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-15 include the creation of a 
Services Trade Development Council for stakeholder consultations to boost services exports. A 
special task force is also to be constituted for facilitating the development of e-commerce.  
4.94.  Pakistan has traditionally been a net impo rter of services, although the deficit has been 
narrowing since its last Review (Table 4.7). Exports of services amounted to US$5.3 billion in 
2013/14, while imports stood at US$7.9 billion. Major service exports are transport services and 
communication, computer and information services. Service imports are dominated by transport services and various business services. 
Table 4.7 Trade in services, 2007-14  
(US$ million and %) 
 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 
Total receipts (US$ million) 3,589  4,106 5,229 5,768 5,035  6,724  5,261 
 (% of total) 
Transportation 28.8  30.0 24.5 28.6 29.9  18.9  24.0 
Passenger 17.6  15.9 13.9 12.8 13.7  .. .. 
Freight 3.7  3.1 2.1 2.0 2.5  .. .. 
Other 7.6  11.0 8.5 13.8 13.6  .. .. 
                                               
57 WTO (2001), Chapter 4, Section 5(ii). 
58 WTO documents GATS/EL/67, 15 April 1994; GATS/EL/67/Suppl.1, 11 April 1997; and 
GATS/EL/67/Suppl.2, 26 February 1998. 
59 WTO document TN/S/O/PAK, 30 May 2005. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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   2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 
Travel 7.4  7.6 5.5 6.1 7.3  4.4  5.4 
Business 0.6  0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1  .. .. 
Personal 6.8  7.3 5.4 6.0 7.3  .. .. 
Construction 1.0  0.8 0.3 0.3 0.5  0.4  0.6 
Communication, computer and 
information 7.6  9.3 8.3 7.7 9.1  11.9  15.5 
Communication 3.3  4.8 4.7 3.9 4.2  .. .. 
Computer and information 4.3  4.5 3.6 3.8 4.9  .. .. 
Insurance 1.5  1.4 0.8 0.9 1.8  0.6  1.7 
Finance 1.2  1.5 1.7 1.2 1.1  0.8  1.6 
Royalties and licence fees 1.4  0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1  0.1  0.2 
Other business services 12.5  12.0 10.3 13.5 16.1  11.6  14.4 
Personal, cultural, recreational  0.1  0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1  0.1  0.2 
Government services and 
services n.e.s. 38.5  37.1 48.5 41.5 34.0  51.1  36.2 
Total payments (US$ million) 10,046  7,487 6,919 7,708 8,227  8,288  7,903 
 (% of total) 
Transportation 37.7  48.5 51.7 52.8 42.7  39.8  48.2 
Passenger 5.3  7.3 6.4 7.7 7.1  .. .. 
Freight 29.5  35.1 38.3 40.0 31.7  .. .. 
Other 2.9  6.2 7.0 5.1 3.9  .. .. 
Travel 15.7  13.4 12.7 12.6 16.6  14.9  13.4 
Business 0.4  0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4  .. .. 
Personal 15.3  13.1 12.3 12.2 16.2  .. .. 
Construction 0.6  0.9 0.4 1.1 0.8  0.1  0.5 
Communication, computer and 
information 2.3  3.6 4.7 4.6 4.2  4.9  4.4 
Communication 1.1  1.9 2.3 2.3 2.2  .. .. 
Computer and information 1.3  1.6 2.4 2.3 2.0  .. .. 
Insurance 1.5  1.8 2.1 1.9 3.4  3.1  0.3 
Finance 1.8  2.2 1.4 1.6 1.3  1.6  2.4 
Royalties and licence fees 1.3  1.2 1.6 1.6 1.8  1.7  2.0 
Other business services 34.2  22.0 15.9 15.5 18.9  21.6  18.8 
Personal, cultural, recreational  0.0  0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0  0.0  0.1 
Government services and 
services n.e.s. 4.9  6.3 9.2 8.2 10.3  12.2  7.3 
.. Not available. 
Source: State Bank of Pakistan, Annual Report (var ious issues) and Statistical Bulletin (2014), August. 
4.5.2  Financial services  
4.5.2.1  Introduction 4.95.  The contribution of financial services to Pakistan's GDP is around 3.1%, while the share of 
people employed in financial services is less than 0.5% of the labour force. The sector is a major 
recipient of foreign investment (Section 1.7). 
4.96.  Various financial services are also provided by state-owned Pakistan Post, including life 
insurance and the country's largest network of savings banks. 
4.5.2.2  Banking 4.97.  Pakistan's banking sector has remained re silient in a difficult macroeconomic environment. 
The system as a whole is liquid and profitable and deposit growth has remained strong in recent 
years (Table 4.8). Average capital adequacy remains around 15%, well above the statutory minimum capital adequacy requirement of 10%, even  after the implementation of Basel III began 
in December 2013.
60  
                                               
60 IMF (2014a). However, as at July 2014 four banks were operating below the capital adequacy 
requirement. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table 4.8 Key variables of Paki stan's banking system, 2008-14  
(PRs billion) 
 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Mar-14
Total assets 5,628 6,516 7,117 8,171 9,711 10,537 10,752 
Investments (net) 1,087 1,737 2,157 3,055 4,013 4,305 4,662 
Advances (net) 3,173 3,240 3,358 3,349 3,804 4,047 4,014 
Deposits 4,218 4,786 5,451 6,244 7,294 8,318 8,151 
Equity 563 660 695 784 882 939 956 
Profit before tax 63 81 105 170 179 165 .. 
Non-performing loans 43 446 556 592 615 585 602 
Non-performing loans (net) 109 134 185 182 176 126 134 
Capital adequacy ratio (%, all banks)  14.0 13.9 15.1 15.6 14.9 14.8 
.. Not available. 
Source: State Bank of Pakistan. 
4.98.  The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is responsible for the prudential supervision and licensing 
of commercial banks, development financial institutions (DFI), and microfinance banks. The Banking Companies Ordinance of 1962, as amended in 2006, is the main legislation for the sector. 
The banking sector in Pakistan is dominated by privately-owned commercial banks. As at 
November 2014, there were 29 privately-owned commercial banks (seven of which being foreign banks) and five state-owned banks. Besides th e commercial banks, ten microfinance banks and 
eight DFIs operate in Pakistan.  
4.99.  Foreign branches and wholly foreign-owned locally-incorporated subsidiaries are permitted, 
provided that the foreign bank's home country belongs to a regional grouping in which Pakistan is a member or it has global tier 1 minimum paid-up capital of US$5 billion. Otherwise, foreign banks 
may operate only as a locally incorporated subsidiary, with foreign equity capped at 49%. Existing 
foreign banks as well as those formed under the above criteria are allowed to open up to 100 branches as per Branch Expansion Pl ans submitted and approved by the SBP.  Commercial 
banks with over 100 branches must open 20% of th eir branches in regional centres where no bank 
branch exists.  
4.100.  In 2009, SBP adopted a long-term strategy for the banking sector.
61 It recognizes the need 
for stronger financial sector growth as large se gments of the economy remain underserved by the 
formal financial system. The main instruments to achieve these objectives are: (i) broadening access to financial services; (ii) ensuring soundness of the financial sector; (iii) effective exchange and reserve management, and (iv) the strengthenin g of payment systems. The authorities indicate 
that this strategy, coupled with stress tests that have been performed, has significantly increased 
the awareness of financial stability, while at the same time financial outreach has increased.  
4.101.  New regulations to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism were issued 
by the SBP in 2012. Legislation on a deposit insurance scheme was under preparation as at 
November 2014. In 2014 the SBP published a strategy for Islamic banking.
62 It is estimated that 
Islamic banking has acquired a market share of about 10% of Pakistan's banking system. 
4.5.2.3  Insurance 
4.102.  The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) supervises and monitors the 
insurance sector. The regulatory framework cons ists of the Insurance Ordinance of 2000, the 
Insurance Rules of 2002, the SEC (Insurance Rule s) of 2002, the Takaful Rules of 2012, and the 
Insurance Companies (Sound and Prudent Management) Regulations of 2012. A regulatory 
framework for micro-insurance was under preparation as at November 2014.  
4.103.  As at November 2014, there were 39 non-life insurers (including three general Takaful 
operators and one state-owned company, National  Insurance Company Limited) and nine life 
                                               
61 SBP (2009). 
62 State Bank of Pakistan (2014a). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  insurers (including two family Takaful operators and one state-owned corporation, State Life 
Insurance Corporation of Pakistan which has a market share of 62%). Two life insurers and two non-life insurers are foreign-owned. There is one reinsurer, state-owned Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited. In 2012, the insurance sector's  annual premiums amounted to PRs 145 billion, 
up from PRs 76.3 billion in 2008. Insurance density has increased since Pakistan's last Review, but 
remains low at 0.4%. 
4.104.  Minimum capital requirements are PRs 200 million for non-life and PRs 500 million for life 
insurers. Foreign life and non-life insurance firms must be locally incorporated. They must bring in 
a minimum of US$4 million in equity towards minimum capital requirements; the rest may be raised locally. Residents are allowed to insure themselves abroad. 
4.5.2.4  Capital market 
4.105.  Pakistan's capital market consists mainly  of three stock exchanges (Karachi, Lahore, and 
Islamabad) and a number of non-bank financial intermediaries (NBFIs). Market capitalization at Karachi Stock exchange, Pakistan's largest, was PRs 6,983 billion in November 2014; there are 
559 companies listed of which, however, only some 60 are regularly traded. Pakistan's stock 
market has shown significant growth over the past six years and has been one of the best 
performing in Asia.
63 The authorities indicate that privatization and democratic transition have 
been major factors behind the stock market's good performance. 
4.106.  The SECP administers the core supervis ory functions relating to the capital market, 
corporate and financial (non-banking) sectors, and can amend or implement new rules or regulations, with the approval of the Ministry of  Finance. A number of regulatory changes have 
taken place in Pakistan's capital market since the last Review. These include the corporatization of 
Pakistan's stock exchanges, the revamping of the ca pital gains tax, and the adoption of a code of 
corporate governance. Regulatory changes have also taken place with regard to NBFIs. New rules 
have been introduced on micro-lending, Islamic lending, and on various prudential issues such as 
capital adequacy. 
4.5.3  Communication services 
4.5.3.1  Telecommunications 
4.107.  Since Pakistan's last Review, the telecom sector has witnessed strong growth, particularly 
in the mobile subsector (Table 4.9). The number of fixed line subscriptions has been on a downward trend since 2004/05, mostly due to poor  infrastructure and the strong expansion of 
mobile services. The telecommunication sector is a major recipient of foreign investment 
(Section 1.7). 
Table 4.9 Basic indicators, 2007-14 
 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 April 2014 
Total teledensity 
(%) 58.90 62.0 64.1 68.4 72.0 74.9 78.7 
Cellular 
subscribers 88,019,812 94,342,030 99,185,844 108,894,518 120,151,235 127,737,286 137,683,211 
Fixed line 
subscribers 4,416,417 3,533,275 3,417,802 3,016,852 2,985,633 3,024,288 3,041,648a 
Broadband 
subscribers 168,082 413,809 900,648 1,491,491 2,101,315 2,721,659 3,540,655 
Foreign direct 
investment in 
telecom sector 
(US$ million) 1,438.60 815.00 373.62 79.2 361.4 -408 .. 
.. Not available. 
a As of September 2013. Source: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority online information. Viewed at: http://www.pta.gov.pk . 
                                               
63 Karachi Stock Exchange KSE 100 Index increased from 4,815 points in 2008 to 31,015 in 
November 2014. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.108.  The Ministry of Information Technology formulates telecommunication policy, while the 
statutory independent Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regulates the sector. The main legal instrument is the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act of 1996, amended in 2006. 100% foreign equity is allowed in all telecommunication services. There are no minimum 
foreign equity investments, joint-venture requirements or foreign equity caps. Pakistan 
Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), in which the state holds a 62% stake, owns the fixed line system and is the largest telecommunications provider in Pakistan. It does not enjoy any 
specific privileges and competes with other companies in providing fixed or mobile services.  
4.109.  Pakistan has a simplified class licensing system. While the PTA will not normally consider 
licence applications unless first releasing a public invitation, expressions of interest can be lodged at any time. Criteria for issuing a licence include economic viability, Pakistani ownership, and 
contribution to universal service goals and other social or economic development objectives. 
Companies must register with SECP. For fixed line services, there are local loop (LL), long distance 
and international (LDI), and infrastructure licences. Carriers can hold both LL and LDI licences, and 
PTCL guarantees licensees co-location rights.
64 LDI licensees must build at least one point of 
interconnection in five of PTCL's regions within one year and in all fourteen regions within three years, and initially own at least 10% of its network (rising to 30% and 50% in the following two 
years, respectively), or have ne gotiated a five-year infrastructure lease with PTCL. A performance 
bond of US$10 million is required. LL licensees must operate one point of interconnection in each PTCL region they operate within a prescribed time. Fees are US$10,000 for LL licences and US$500,000 for LDI licences; in subsequent years, all licensees pay an annual fee to the PTA of 
0.5% of the previous year's gross revenue, less inter-operator payments. For mobile services, 
licences are auctioned. Licensees also pay an annual  fee to the PTA of 0.5% of the previous year's 
gross revenue, less inter-operator payments.  
4.110.  As at November 2014, five cellular mobile operators were providing services, of which four 
were foreign-owned. All operators are under foreign management.  
4.111.  LL carriers receive a portion of the premium earned on net international incoming calls by 
LDI carriers from bilaterally agreed settlement rates that exceed termination costs, to expand 
infrastructure (called the Access Promotion Contribution or APC).
65 The APC is administered by the 
PTA, which regulates and approves international tr affic agreements negotiated jointly by PTCL and 
other LDI licensees with foreign carriers; a common settlement rate must be negotiated for all LDI 
licensees ("one-country-one-rate principle"). The APC is currently set at US$0.025 per minute 
compared with an international settlement ra te of US$0.075 per minute. Disputes are to be 
resolved by the PTA under its interconnection dispute settlement procedures. Cellular operators 
are excluded from APC.  
4.112.  Interconnection to the domestic network is guaranteed so as to promote "fair" competition 
between incumbents and new operators.66 Interconnection terms are to be public (unless 
determined confidential by the PTA); charges "c ost-based"; not "unfairly" discriminatory between 
new entrants; and should encourage "efficient and sustainable competition". Operators with significant market power (SMP) must submit to the PTA their reference interconnect offer (RIO) within one month of gaining such status, which becomes public. Interconnection parties may adopt 
the RIO as the default interconnection offer or negotiate alternative charges; interconnection 
disputes are referred to the PTA for resolution.
67 The authorities indicate that no major 
interconnection disputes have taken place since 2008. The PTA must approve interconnection 
agreements, including proposed charges, which should "reflect underlying costs" and be set on 
objective transparent criteria; they should not include hidden, particularly anti-competitive, cross-subsidies.
68 The longer-term objective is to move interconnection charges to long run incremental 
cost (LRIC)-based pricing.  
                                               
64 PTCL Framework for Co-Location Agreements. 
65 Access Promotion Regulations, September 2005 and Access Promotion Rules, 2004. 
66 PTA Interconnection Guidelines, 2004. 
67 Interconnection Dispute Resolution Regulations, September 2004. 
68 Fixed costs should, where possible, be recovered through fixed charges and variable costs from per 
unit charges, and peak and off-peak charges set where costs differ significantly. The network operator must 
prove to the PTA that charges are based on relevant costs, including a "reasonable" rate of return.  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.113.  Specific anti-competitive rules apply for the telecom sector. No licensee may compete 
"unfairly" or drive competitors out of the mark et; carriers must operate "fairly and honestly".69 
SMP operators must not abuse their market dominance through anti-competitive conduct. The Competition Commission of Pakistan is to investigate promptly all allegations of anti-competitive 
conduct (e.g. predatory pricing, margin squeeze, withdrawal of essential facilities, discrimination, 
and cross-subsidization) and to take remedial measures. It may not issue exclusive licences and must promote "fair and sustainable" competition so as to provide consumers the best possible 
service in terms of quality, choice, and value for money. The authorities indicate that new 
competition rules for the telecom sector are under preparation.  
4.114.  In April 2014, the Government held an auction of the spectrum required to roll out 3G and 
4G services. Successful bids were made by two local and two foreign operators, resulting in 
revenues of US$1.2 billion. Higher-speed mobile services are expected to begin in stages, with 3G 
operations starting in Pakistan's major cities in November 2014. 
4.115.  The Universal Service Fund (USF), established in 2006, is controlled by the Ministry of 
Information Technology. USF promotes the provision of telecommunication services to under-
served rural areas throughout Pakistan. It also promotes broadband penetration and tries to enhance the provision of e-services. It is financed by contributions of 1.5% of adjusted revenues 
by telecom operators. Provision of USF services is to be auctioned among licensed operators, and 
awarded to the firm bidding (requiring) the lowest subsidy, which will be allowed to earn a "reasonable" return.  
4.116.  The Research Development Fund has financed research in development in priority areas of 
information and communications technology. It is financed by contributions of 0.5% of adjusted 
revenues by telecom operators. 
4.117.  The PTA accepts international telecom equipment standards and applies them equally to 
domestic and imported products. Type approval is required for specified equipment, and tests 
conducted by internationally-accredited laboratories are generally accepted.
70  
4.5.3.2  Broadcasting and audio-visual services 
4.118.  The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), established in 2002, 
regulates the subsector and licenses radio and television operators. Since Pakistan's last Review, there has been a massive growth in the number of TV channels and FM radio stations. New licensing rules entered into force in 2009. A licensee must be a citizen or resident of Pakistan, or a 
locally incorporated company. Majority shareholding and management control shall vest in 
Pakistani nationals. The state owned Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Pakistan Television Corporation Limited (PTV with four channels) are outside PEMRA's authority and are 
supervised directly by the Ministry of Inform ation and Broadcasting. Media broadcasters are 
subject to a code of conduct. 
4.5.3.3  Postal services 
4.119.  State-owned Pakistan Post provides postal services through a network of around 13,000 
post offices. Mail is delivered to about 20 million households. In addition to its traditional role, Pakistan Post also performs functions on behalf  of federal and provincial governments, which 
include payment of taxes and electricity, water, gas and telephone bills. In 2008, a Ministry of 
Postal Services was established.  
4.120.  Private companies are allowed in national and international express mail services.  
                                               
69 Pakistan Telecommunication Rules, 2000 and PTA (Functions and Powers) Regulations, 2006. 
70 Type Approval Regulations, 2004, amended in 2006. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.5.4  Transport services 
4.5.4.1  Land transport  4.5.4.1.1  Introduction 4.121.  Land transport is the dominant mode of transport within Pakistan. The Indus Trade 
Corridor is of key significance in land transport; running northwards from the Arabian Sea and 
linking the main industrial centres, it provides the gateway to Central Asia and Afghanistan. It covers 80% of Pakistan's urban population and th e region covered by the Corridor contributes to 
some 85% of GDP. Under the China-Pak Economic Corridor, the Government plans to make 
Pakistan a regional transport hub by connecting Gwadar port to Western China.  
4.122.  The Government has established a Nation al Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee 
with a view to reviewing the regulations and proc edures pertaining to the conduct of trade and 
transport that impact the cost and efficiency of Pakistan's international trade.  
4.5.4.1.2  Road transport 4.123.  Road transport is the backbone of Pakistan's transport system. The road network carries 
over 96% of inland freight and 92% of passenger traffic.
71 The total road network in Pakistan is 
around 263,415 kilometres, of which 9,324 kilometr es are national highways and 2,280 kilometres 
are motorways . Road freight takes an average of three to  four days between ports and the north 
of the country (a distance of 1,400 to 1,800 kilometres).72 W i t h  a  v i e w  t o  i m p r o v i n g  t r a n s p o r t 
infrastructure, in July 2014, the Government ap proved the construction of the 1,150 km high-
speed Karachi-Lahore-motorway, which will run parallel to existing highways and is supposed to be 
completed by 2018. 
4.124.  High import tariffs on high-capacity multi-axle trucks protect local manufacturers 
producing low-capacity and low-powered trucks, and hence prevent the trucking sector from 
improving its fleet. In addition, lack of road safety is a serious problem, caused by overloading, 
long crew hours, poor road conditions, truck modification, and limited enforcement of safety regulations. 
4.125.  At the federal level, the Ministry of Communications is responsible for formulating policies 
for road transportation. Implementation is with the National Highway Authority (for infrastructure) and the National Highway and Motorway Police (for  safety regulations). The state-owned National 
Logistics Cell (NLC) has the exclusive right to collect street tolls; it also operates the Karachi and 
Hyderabad dry ports and various warehouses. Under the transit agreement with Afghanistan, the 
NLC also has a near monopoly (first right of refusal) over Afghan transit trade. In addition, NLC is exempt from tax payments.  
4.5.4.1.3  Railway transport 
4.126.  Rail services in Pakistan are provided by state-owned Pakistan Railways, under the 
supervision of the Ministry of Railways. Pakistan has a railway network of 7,791 kilometres. 
781 railway stations are served by 493 locomotive s (of which, however, only 131 were operational 
as at June 2014). In 2012/13, around 42 million passengers were transported, down from 65 million in 2010/11. Transportation of freight has also been strongly declining. Railway links are in place with India and Iran. During the period under review, Pakistan Railway has been enduring 
a severe crisis, characterized by strongly falling revenues, aging infrastructure, declining service 
quality, and high operational and maintenance costs. Losses incurred by Pakistan Railways 
increased from PRs 18.7 billion in 2008/09 to PRs 30.6 billion in 2012/13; they were covered by 
the federal budget. 
4.127.  Various efforts are under way to revitalize  railway transport in Pakistan. In 2012 and 2013, 
new express and business lines connecting Lahore to Karachi began operations under public-
private partnerships. Under this policy, private parties use track and infrastructure of Pakistan 
                                               
71 Ministry of Finance (2013), p.167. 
72 World Bank (2013b). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Railway against an agreed fee. A comprehensive restructuring plan for Pakistan Railways has been 
elaborated. In this context, the authorities indica te that the construction and operation of several 
new coal-fired power plants should rely strongly on rail-based transport of coal. In 2014, Pakistan Railways was to carry out a feasibility study for new rail links connecting Islamabad to Murree and 
Muzaffarbad.  
4.5.4.1.4  Pipelines 4.128.  Pipeline transport is the purview of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and 
regulated by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authorit y (Section 4.3.2.1). Construction works for an 
Iran-Pakistan pipeline started in March 2013. Under this project, natural gas is to be delivered 
from Iran to Pakistan and eventually to China and India.  
4.5.4.2  Maritime and inland water transport 
4.129.  Policies for the subsector are formulated by  the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. Pakistan 
has three maritime ports: Karachi, Gwadar, and Port Qasim. Pakistan's maritime ports are connected to a total of 14 dry ports, which are spread all over the country. 
4.130.  Karachi Port is one of South Asia's largest deep-water seaports, handling around 60% of 
Pakistan's merchandise trade. Gwadar Port began commercial operations in March 2008, but due to insufficient road connectivity is hardly used by the private sector. Pakistan's port infrastructure 
has been substantially upgraded since its last Review. This includes the deepening of Karachi Port 
and the opening of four new terminals at Port Qasim.
73 
4.131.  All ports are state-owned. The ports of Karachi and Qasim are administered by Karachi 
Port Trust and Qasim Port Authority respectively, composed of representatives of the public and 
the private sector. For the operation or construc tion of terminals, private firms are offered 
concessions on a BOT (build-own-transfer) or public/private joint venture basis. The port of Gwadar is privately managed, by Chinese Overseas Port Holdings Ltd. Certain port services, 
including pilot and tug services, are reserved for the public sector.  
4.132.  Maritime transport remains dominated by foreign ships. State-owned Pakistan National 
Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has a fleet of six bulk carriers and three tankers. PNSC (and its 
subsidiary National Tanker Company) still retains a monopoly (first right of refusal) in transporting 
government or public-sector cargo and crude oil/petroleum products imported by three oil refineries. Almost 99% of total imports of crude oil are undertaken by PNSC. There are no privately-owned vessels fl ying the Pakistani flag. 
4.133.  No restrictions apply to foreign carriers operating from or into Pakistani ports.
74 Ships 
bought or chartered by a Pakistani entity and fl ying the country's flag are exempt from import 
duties and surcharges until 2020 provided they are not demolished within five years.  
4.134.  More than 90% of Pakistan's international trade is transported by sea.  
4.135.  The Government plans to set up an Inland Water Transport Authority (IWTA) under the 
Ministry of Water and Power and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). The 
objective is to increase the use of the Indus river and existing canals for inland water transport.  
                                               
73 At Port Qasim, a liquid cargo terminal, with an annual handling capacity of  over 4 million tonnes, 
started operations in August 2009. A grain and fertil izer terminal, with an annual capacity of over 
4 million tonnes, was inaugurated in October 2010. A se cond container terminal, wi th an annual capacity of 
14 million tonnes, began operations in January 2011. An LNG floating terminal, with an annual capacity of 
3 million tonnes, was under construction as at November 2014. 
74 Pakistani-flagged vessels have been able to tr ansport cargo from Indian ports or third-country 
cargoes destined for India since December 2006 when maritime transport between the two countries was 
liberalized on a non-discriminatory  basis (Protocol on Shipping Services between Pakistan and India, 
14 December 2006). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.5.4.3  Air transport 
4.136.  The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under th e Cabinet of the Prime Minister is responsible 
for licensing air service suppliers and maintaining safety. In 2010, the CAA's competences with regard to fare supervision moved to the Compet ition Commission, and the CAA's Market Clean-up 
Board was abolished. Air fares are deregulated and their filing is no longer required.  
4.137.  Pakistan has 26 civil airports with scheduled services on commercial airlines. A new airport 
in Islamabad is expected to be operational by December 2016. Landing slots are allocated on a 
first-come first-served basis and are maintained historically. Air transport, in particular 
international passenger traffic, has grown strongly in recent years (Table 4.10). 
Table 4.10 Air traffic data, 2006-14 
Year Passenger traffic (number) Cargo traffic (million tonnes) 
 Domestic International Total Domestic International Total
2006-07 6,985,869 7,365,266 14,351,135 98,172 217,014 315,186 
2007-08 6,627,527 7,582,482 14,210,009 88,860 229,811 318,671 
2008-09 6,270,201 7,969,904 14,240,105 69,786 217,309 287,095 
2009-10 6,780,583 8,300,890 15,081,473 75,146 232,172 307,318 
2010-11 7,152,807 8,460,877 15,613,684 76,238 219,711 295,949 
2011-12 6,594,893 9,412,344 16,007,237 68,596 222,249 290,845 
2012-13a 6,790,838 9,787,232 16,578,070 71,257 332,755 404,012 
2013-14a 7,039,607 10,872,037 17,911,644 56,520 231,408 287,928 
a Provisional. 
Source: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. 
4.138.  Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), in which the state holds an 87% stake, remains the 
dominant domestic operator, accounting for 55% of domestic passenger traffic, and 73.5% of 
domestic cargo traffic in 20013/14. Since 2013, it has been under the administration of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister. PIA has incurred continuous losses over the past years (PRs 33 
billion in 2012); its employee-aircraft ratio (780 as at early 2014) is one of the highest in the 
world.
75 Privatization of PIA has been repeatedly announced since the late 1990s, but has never 
been implemented. However, PIA was on the priority list of state-owned enterprises scheduled for privatization in November 2014. There are also a few privately owned air carriers (Airblue, 
Shaheen Air, Air Indus).  
4.139.  Air transport is among the few sectors where foreign investment is excluded from national 
treatment. As established by the Civil Aviation Rules of 1994, domestic carriers (passenger and 
freight) must be controlled by Pakistani investors; foreign equity is capped at 49%. Domestic 
carriers must also operate a minimum of two trunk routes (one of which must include Peshawar, Quetta, Multan or Faisalabad), and offer a minimu m of two weekly services on a defined tertiary 
route, or pay a monthly royalty of PRs 500,000 to PIA. However, the authorities indicate that a 
new policy is under elaboration which will skip these requirements. Cabotage is prohibited.  
4.140.  Pakistan allocates international landing rights according to bilateral "open skies" policy 
based on reciprocity of "5
th freedom"; selective concessions may be made. It has concluded 
95 bilateral air transport agreements, but many ar e non-operative. No flights servicing Pakistan 
(including overflying rights) with Israel are permitted, including through third-countries. Passenger chartered flights, including by foreigners, are unres tricted on routes "not adequately covered" by 
scheduled airlines, but are not allowed where scheduled flights exist.  
4.141.  Terminal and related services (landside se rvices) are privately operated. Airline operators 
may handle their own aircraft ground services, or use PIA or ground handling agencies licensed by 
the CAA. There are no restrictions on foreign suppliers of such services.  
                                               
75 The Dawn , 26 March 2014. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  4.5.5  Tourism 
4.142.  Pakistan offers numerous attractions to visitors, such as the remains of the Indus valley 
civilization, highly diverse landscapes ranging from  deserts over fertile valleys to high mountains 
(including five peaks above 8,000 metres), histor ic forts and city centres, and highlights of 
Buddhist and Islamic architecture.  
4.143.  As a result of the 18th Amendment and Pakistan's decentralization policy, the regulation of 
tourism became a provincial subject and the Minist ry of Tourism was abolished in June 2011. Since 
July 2011, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has been responsible for promoting 
the tourism subsector at the federal level, while the provinces also have their own promotional institutions. The PTDC's activities include the operation of tourist information centres and various bus transport services. It also owns and runs some 26 hotels and restaurants in various tourist 
destinations through PTDC Motels Ltd. Since Pakist an's last Review, restrictions on foreign real 
estate developers have been removed.  
4.144.  International tourist arrivals per year have fluctuated between 800,000 and 1.2 million 
since 2006. Security concerns have had a strong impact on the performance of the tourism sector, 
and a large number of tourists are actually coming to Pakistan for the purpose of family visit.  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 87 - 
 
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agenda . 
 
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 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  5  APPENDIX TABLES 
Table A1. 1 Pakistan's merchandise ex ports by group of products, 2007-13 
(US$ billion and %) 
  2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
Total exports (US$ billion) 17.84 20.28 17.55 21. 41 25.34 24.61 25.12 
 (% of total) 
Total primary products 19.7 26.6 23.4 25.5 28.6 23.6 26.4 
Agriculture 13.0 19.2 18.3 18.4 21.9 20.2 22.2 
Food 11.9 17.9 16.5 16.5 19.3 17.0 19.9 
0423 Rice, milled, semi-milled 6.4 12.0 10.1 10.6 8.1 7.6 8.1 
0612 Other beet, cane and chemically pure sucrose, solid 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 1.9 
Agricultural raw material 1.2 1.4 1.8 1.9 2.6 3.2 2.3 
Mining 6.7 7.3 5.1 7.1 6.7 3.4 4.2 
Ores and other minerals 0.8 1.1 0.8 1.3 1.3 1.8 1.9 
Non-ferrous metals 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Fuels 5.6 6.1 4.1 5.6 5.2 1.3 2.1 
Manufactures 80.1 73.4 76.6 74.4 71.4 75.2 73.6 
Iron and steel 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.5 
Chemicals 2.6 3.4 3.7 3.7 4.2 3.8 4.4 
5121 Acyclic monohydric alcohols 0.8 1.1 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.6 1.4 
Other semi-manufactures 4.8 6.0 6.1 5.6 5.2 5.8 5.9 
6612 Portland cement and similar hydraulic cements 1.3 2.8 3.0 2.2 1.8 2.3 2.1 
Machinery and transport equipment 4.5 2.8 2.3 2.6 1.8 1.5 1.5 
Power generating machines 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.1 
Other non-electrical machinery 0.6 1.4 1.2 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.7 
Agricultural machinery and tractors 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 
Office machines & telecommunication equipment 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Other electrical machines 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 
Automotive products 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 
Other transport equipment 2.8 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.1 
Textiles 41.3 35.4 37.1 36.6 35.8 35.4 37.2 
6584 Bed linen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen 14.4 12.5 13.6 12.3 11.2 10.2 11.4 
6513 Cotton yarn, excluding thread 7.9 6.0 7.4 7.7 7.9 8.7 8.9 
6522 Cotton fabric, woven, unbleached 4.0 3.5 3.5 3.8 4.2 4.1 4.5 
6524 Other fabrics, of 85% finished cotton >200g/m2 1.4 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.8 3.0 
6589 Made-up articles of textile, n.e.s. 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.6 
6525 Other woven cotton fabrics, < 85% cotton,<= 200 
 g/m2 2.5 3.0 1.7 1.4 1.6 1.5 1.4 
6533 Fabrics, woven, < 85% of synthetic fibres, mixed with 
 cotton 1.7 1.1 1.4 2.0 2.1 1.5 1.3 
 6523 Other fabrics of 85% finished cotto n <200g/m2 1.7 1.9 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 
Clothing 21.3 19.3 19.1 18.4 18.0 17.1 18.1 
8414 Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breech es, shorts 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.4 3.0 3.0 3.2 
8426 Trousers, breeches, etc., women/girls, not 
 knitted/crocheted 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.6 2.0 2.1 2.4 
8481 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of leather 
 or of composition leather (not including gloves, 
 mittens and mitts of heading 894.77) 3.4 3.2 2.7 2.3 2.1 2.1 2.3 
8437 Shirts, men boys, knitted or crocheted 3.4 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.5 2.2 2.0 
8432 Suits, ensembles, jackets, trousers, etc. 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.2 1.3 
Other consumer goods 5.2 6.0 7.7 7.0 5.9 10.8 6.0 
8973 Jewellery of gold, silver or platinum metals (except 
 watches) 0.6 1.1 2.7 2.7 1.8 6.6 1.7 
8947 Sports goods 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.4 1.3 
Other 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 0.0 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table A1. 2 Pakistan's merchandise imports by group of products, 2007-13  
(US$ billion and %) 
  2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
Total imports (US$ billion) 32.59 42.33 31.58 37. 54 43.58 43.81 43.78 
 (% of total) 
Total primary products 43.2 53.1 47.2 51.2 53.7 53.9 52.2 
Agriculture 13.9 16.8 15.6 17.9 16.9 14.9 14.5 
Food 8.9 11.8 11.3 13.0 11.9 11.1 10.2 
4222 Palm oil, fractions 3.5 4.0 3.9 4.4 5.4 4.9 4.2 
0813 Oil-cake, oilseed residues 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.8 
2226 Rape, colza, mustard seeds 1.2 0.7 0.9 1.5 1.2 1.1 0.7 
0741 Tea 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.7 
Agricultural raw material 5.0 4.9 4.3 4.9 4.9 3.8 4.3 
2631 Cotton (other than linters), not carded or 
 combed 2.7 2.8 1.5 2.0 1.9 1.3 1.7 
Mining 29.3 36.3 31.7 33.3 36.9 39.0 37.7 
Ores and other minerals 2.4 2.2 2.6 1.9 1.7 1.8 1.9 
2823 Other ferrous waste and scrap 1.7 1.4 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.4 1.5 
Non-ferrous metals 1.4 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.1 0.8 1.0 
Fuels 25.6 33.2 28.0 30.4 34.1 36.4 34.8 
3330 Crude oils of petroleum and bituminous 
 minerals 11.2 13.9 9.9 9.4 11.9 12.0 12.5 
3212 Other coal, whether or pulverized, not 
 agglomerated 1.1 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.2 1.2 0.8 
Manufactures 54.8 46.9 52.3 48.4 45.8 45.4 46.9 
Iron and steel 3.6 3.3 4.2 3.5 3.0 3.3 3.4 
Chemicals 15.4 14.0 16.9 15.4 16.2 15.0 14.6 
5112 Cyclic hydrocarbons 1.3 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.4 1.4 
5751 Propylene polymers or of other olefins 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 
5711 Polyethylene 1.2 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.0 
5416 Glycosides; glands, etc. and extracts; 
 antisera/vaccines, etc. 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.7 
5122 Other acyclic alcohol and derivatives 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 
Other semi-manufactures 3.8 3.3 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.4 3.3 
Machinery and transport equipment 27.1 22.0 22.9 20.5 17.5 18.5 18.5 
Power generating machines 1.8 3.5 5.0 2.7 2.0 1.7 1.6 
7165 Generating sets 1.1 2.3 3.4 1.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 
Other non-electrical machinery 8.6 7.4 8.0 6.4 4.9 5.2 5.5 
Agricultural machinery and tractors 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.2 
Office machines & telecommunication equipment 6.5 4.9 3.0 3.2 3.5 4.2 3.7 
7643 Radio or television transmission apparatus 4.9 1.4 0.6 1.2 1.5 1.6 1.5 
Other electrical machines 1.8 1.9 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.7 1.9 
Automotive products 3.7 2.4 2.5 2.9 3.0 3.3 2.5 
7812 Motor vehicles for the transport of persons, 
 n.e.s. 2.1 1.3 1.3 1.6 1.8 2.1 1.6 
Other transport equipment 4.7 1.9 2.4 3.4 2.5 2.5 3.3 
7933 Vessels and other floating structures for 
 breaking up 0.2 0.2 0.9 1.3 1.0 1.2 2.2 
Textiles 1.8 1.4 1.9 2.5 2.9 2.5 2.8 
Clothing 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Other consumer goods 2.8 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.5 2.6 4.1 
8928 Printed matter, n.e.s. 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 1.9 
Other 2.0 0.1 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.9 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3). WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table A1. 3 Pakistan's merchandis e exports by destination, 2007-13  
(US$ billion and %) 
  2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Total exports (US$ billion) 17.84 20.28 17.55 21.41 25.34 24.61 25.12 
 (% of total) 
 America 25.1 21.5 21.3 20.8 18.2 18.0 18.0 
 United States 21.6 18.0 18.3 17.2 15.1 14.9 14.9 
 Other America 3.5 3.5 2.9 3.6 3.0 3.1 3.1 
 Europe 29.8 28.5 27.3 27.7 28.3 23.5 26.9 
 EU(28) 26.9 25.8 24.6 24.4 25.0 21.6 25.0 
  United Kingdom 5.4 4.9 5.4 5.2 5.0 5.1 5.7 
  Germany 4.1 4.3 4.1 4.6 5.2 4.0 4.3 
  Italy 3.8 3.5 3.2 3.0 3.1 2.1 2.6 
  The Netherlands 2.5 2.8 2.2 1.9 2.1 1.8 2.5 
  Spain 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.0 2.4 
  Belgium 2.0 2.1 2.3 2.4 2.6 2.0 2.3 
  France 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.6 
 EFTA 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 
 Other Europe 2.5 2.3 2.3 3.0 3.0 1.7 1.6 
  Turkey 2.5 2.3 2.3 3.0 3.0 1.7 1.6 
 Commonwealth of In dependent States 0.8 1.0 0.8 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.5 
 Africa 5.5 6.8 7.3 6.5 6.7 6.5 7.5 
  South Africa 1.5 1.4 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.2 
  Kenya 0.5 0.6 0.9 0.6 1.1 0.9 1.0 
 Middle East 17.4 18.5 16.7 14.6 12.8 16.5 12.2 
  United Arab Emirates 11.9 9.9 8.8 8.6 7.6 11.7 7.1 
  Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of 1.7 2.2 2.4 1.9 1.7 1.9 2.0 
 Asia 21.3 23.7 26.7 29.3 32.7 34.2 34.0 
 China 3.4 3.6 5.7 6.7 6.6 10.6 10.6 
 Japan 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.7 
 Six East Asian Traders 6.0 5.0 5.6 5.8 5.6 5.0 5.5 
  Hong Kong, China 3.4 2.3 2.0 2.3 1.7 1.7 1.6 
  Korea, Rep. of 1.0 1.0 1.4 1.3 1.6 1.4 1.6 
 Other Asia 11.2 14.3 14.8 16.2 19.7 17.7 17.2 
  Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of 4.7 7.1 7.8 7.9 10.5 8.5 8.0 
  Bangladesh 1.6 2.1 2.1 3.0 3.7 2.8 2.9 
  India 1.6 1.7 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.4 1.6 
  Sri Lanka 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.3 
  Viet Nam 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.0 
  Australia 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.0 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table A1. 4 Pakistan's merchandise imports by origin, 2007-13  
(US$ billion and %) 
  2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Total imports (US$ billion) 32.59 42.33 31.58 37.54 43.58 43.81 43.78 
 (% of total) 
 America 10.2 8.1 8.2 6.9 6.3 5.1 4.9 
 United States 8.0 4.9 5.7 4.3 4.0 3.4 3.8 
 Other America 2.2 3.2 2.5 2.6 2.3 1.6 1.1 
 Europe 17.2 15.7 17.8 12.9 11.7 11.7 11.9 
 EU(28) 14.7 13.7 16.1 11.5 10.4 10.2 10.1 
  Germany 3.5 3.5 4.0 2.6 2.3 2.6 3.3 
  United Kingdom 2.1 2.0 2.5 1.7 1.3 1.7 1.2 
  Italy 1.7 1.8 2.2 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.1 
  France 1.4 1.1 1.3 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8 
 EFTA 0.9 1.2 1.2 1.0 0.7 0.6 0.6 
 Other Europe 1.6 0.8 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.1 
  Other Europe n.e.s. 1.1 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.7 
 Commonwealth of Independent States  1.9 2.5 2.0 1.1 0.8 1.1 1.3 
  Russian Federation 0.9 1.4 1.0 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.7 
 Africa 3.2 3.7 3.1 3.6 3.3 3.1 2.7 
  South Africa 0.9 0.7 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.7 0.7 
 Middle East 29.8 35.5 32.4 35.2 37.8 39.0 39.1 
  United Arab Emirates 8.5 8.9 10.6 14.0 15.6 16.5 17.7 
  Kuwait, the State of 5.7 8.1 5.7 6.9 8.9 9.6 9.0 
  Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of 12.3 14.1 11.1 10.2 10.7 9.8 8.8 
  Oman 0.3 0.2 0.8 0.4 0.6 1.7 2.6 
 Asia 37.6 34.5 36.5 40.3 40.1 40.1 40.1 
 China 12.8 11.2 12.0 14.0 14.8 15.3 15.1 
 Japan 5.1 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.5 
 Six East Asian Traders 10.5 10.3 11.8 13.4 12.6 10.9 10.8 
  Malaysia 3.6 4.0 5.1 5.5 6.3 4.9 4.4 
  Korea, Rep. of 2.0 1.7 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.6 2.0 
  Singapore 1.5 1.9 1.6 2.4 1.5 1.8 1.7 
  Thailand 1.8 1.4 1.9 2.3 1.9 1.6 1.6 
  Chinese Taipei 1.1 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.9 
 Other Asia 9.2 9.0 8.7 8.6 8.3 9.7 9.6 
  India 3.9 4.0 3.4 4.2 3.7 3.6 4.3 
  Indonesia 2.7 2.8 2.1 1.8 2.1 3.1 2.8 
  Australia 1.3 1.1 1.7 1.2 1.0 1.5 1.0 
  Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of  0.3 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.7 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
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  Table A3. 1 Pakistan's MFN applied tariff summary, 2014-15 
 Number Average Range Standard Nuisancea
  of lines (%) (%) deviation (%) 
Total 7,018 14.3 1-100 11.6 6.3
HS 01-24 1,015 14.4 1-90 13.0 10.7 
HS 25-97 6,003 14.3 1-100 11.3 5.5 
By WTO category      
WTO agricultural products 878 14.6 1-90 14.0 16.1 
 Animals and products thereof 118 13.5 1-25 10.6 23.7 
 Dairy products 24 25.0 25-25 0.0 0.0 
 Fruit, vegetables, and plants 244 14.8 1-25 9.3 14.8 
 Coffee and tea 30 12.2 5-25 6.7 0.0 
 Cereals and preparations 107 15.3 1-25 8.3 5.6 
 Oils seeds, fats, oil and their products 96 9.1 1-25 6.7 15.6 
 Sugars and confectionary 27 16.1 5-25 7.2 0.0 
 Beverages, spirits and tobacco 51 44.7 5-90 31.2 0.0 
 Cotton 11 3.8 1-10 4.0 63.6 
 Other agricultural products, n.e.s. 170 7.1 1-25 6.2 28.8 
WTO non-agricultural products  6,140 14.3 1-100 11.2 4.9 
 Fish and fishery products 229 10.7 1-20 4.1 0.4 
 Minerals and metals 117 13.2 1-35 9.0 6.5 
 Chemicals and photographic supplies 1,235 9.4 1-25 6.8 2.3 
 Wood, pulp, paper and furniture 311 15.6 1-35 9.4 19.9 
 Textiles 703 17.2 1-35 7.8 2.4 
 Clothing 260 24.8 5-25 1.7 0.0 
 Leather, rubber, footwear and travel goods 222 17.1 1-35 11.4 19.4 
 Non-electric machinery 772 10.3 1-35 9.7 4.9 
 Electric machinery 403 15.8 1-35 10.3 1.7 
 Transport equipment 238 35.3 1-100 25.6 1.7 
 Non-agricultural products, n.e.s. 557 14.1 1-35 9.0 1.8 
 Petroleum 33 10.8 1-25 8.9 33.3 
By ISIC (Rev.2) sector       
 ISIC 1 - Agriculture, hunting and fishing 427 8.7 1-25 8.0 25.5 
 ISIC 2 - Mining 107 6.7 1-20 4.9 14.0 
 ISIC 3 - Manufacturing 6,483 14.8 1-100 11.7 4.8 
 Manufacturing excluding food processing 5,848 14.6 1-100 11.3 4.6 
 ISIC 4 - Electrical energy 1 1.0 1 0.0 100.0 
By stage of processing      
 First stage of processing 840 7.8 1-25 9.7 3.5 
 Semi-processed products 2,218 10.9 1-35 5.6 5.3 
 Fully processed products 3,960 17.6 1-100 7.4 1.5 
By HS section      
 01 Live animals and products 353 11.2 1-25 7.4 8.5 
 02 Vegetable products 358 10.7 1-25 8.4 22.1 
 03 Fats and oils 56 12.4 5-25 6.8 0.0 
 04 Prepared food, beverages and tobacco 248 24.5 5-90 18.4 0.0 
 05 Mineral products 195 7.8 1-25 6.4 17.9 
 06 Chemicals and products thereof 1,154 8.5 1-25 6.3 4.4 
 07 Plastics, rubber, and articles thereof 300 17.0 1-35 9.4 7.7 
 08 Raw hides and skin s, leather, and its 
 products 93 10.6 1-25 10.8 40.9 
 09 Wood and articles of wood 107 12.0 1-20 8.4 32.7 
 10 Pulp of wood, paper and paperboard 177 16.0 1-25 8.9 15.3 
 11 Textiles and textile articles 955 18.7 1-25 8.0 3.7 
 12 Footwear, headgear, etc. 51 23.2 20-25 2.4 0.0 
 13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement 188 21.6 5-35 7.5 0.0 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 95 - 
 
   Number Average Range Standard Nuisancea
  of lines (%) (%) deviation (%) 
 14 Precious stones and metals, pearls 60 5.1 1-10 1.5 5.0 
 15 Base metals an d articles thereof 755 13.5 1-35 8.6 3.3 
 16 Machinery, electrical equipment, etc. 1,201 12.0 1-35 10.1 3.8 
 17 Transport equipment 252 34.4 1-100 25.3 1.6 
 18 Precision equipment 265 9.2 1-35 8.5 2.6 
 19 Arms and ammunition 51 21.1 15-30 5.2 0.0 
 20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles 192 20.7 1-35 6.7 0.5 
 21 Works of art, etc. 7 5.7 5-10 1.7 0.0 
a Nuisance rates are those greater than zero, but le ss than or equal to 2%. No duty-free rates are 
applied in 2014-15. 
Note: Calculations are based on national tariff line (8-digit); excluding specific rates. Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on online  data taken from the Federal Board of Revenue of 
Pakistan. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 96 - 
 
  Table A3. 2 Prohibited imports, 2012-15  
Description 
Translation of the Holy Quran without Arabic text 
Goods (including their containers) bearing any obscene pictures, writings, inscriptions or visible representations 
Anti-Islamic, obscene or subversive literature 
Any goods containing ingredients or parts which may be repugnant to the injunctions of Islam as laid down in the 
Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), including pigs, hogs, boars and swine, and their 
products and by-products 
Any edible product not fit for human consumption 
Goods (including their containers) bearing any words or inscription of a religious connotation, the use or disposal of 
which may injure the religious feelings of any sect, class or group of people in Pakistan 
Factory rejects and goods of job lot/stock lot or su b-standard quality except those mentioned below: 
1. Waste, seconds and cutting of:  iron and steel sheets and plates in cut length or coils;   tin sheets and plates of one side not less than 45.7 cm (18 inch); and   stainless steel sheets, coils, plates and circles of AISI-200, AISI-300 and or AISI-400 series only  Cotton waste (H.S No. 5202.0000) Granules made by the recycling of plastics waste 2. Re-rollable scrap (7204.1010, 7204.4910) The scrap having width not exceeding 1000 mm with thickness 6 mm and above and a length not exceeding 2.5 metres, consisting of mill rejects and crop ends of ingots, billets, slabs, blooms and including cuttings of sheets and 
plates, pipes and bars whether in pieces or in rolled strips, cuttings of ships plates, used and pitted rails and girders, 
whereas in case of girders and pipes length shall be 1.5 metres 
Vetches (whole grain, split or any other form) 
Cocoa leaves, poppy straw and cannabis herbs 
Cannabis resins and balsams 
Opium 
Concentrate of poppy straw; extracts and tinctures of cannabis 
Used vegetable ghee and cooking oil 
Alcoholic beverages and spirits (excluding ethyl alcohol of industrial grade), including br ewing and distilling dregs and 
waste, wine lees and argol 
Hazardous wastes as defined and classified in the Basel Convention 
Used lubricating, hydraulic, transformer oils and similar oils or waste oils 
Other (benzidine and its derivatives) 
Paraphence-tole carbamide and 5-Nitro-2 proxy-aniline in both tablet and powder or crystalline forms 
Allyl-isothio-cyanate 
Caffeine citrate 
Insulin preparations and syringes in 40 I.U. strength 
Dyes containing benzidine 
Fireworks 
Other (pyrotechnic articles) 
Cinematograph film wholly or partly exposed or developed in any Pakistani or Indian language, with or without a sound 
track and depicting Pakistani or Indian way of living either silent or dubbed, or in which leading roles have been played by Pakistani or Indian actors or actresses 
Hospital waste of all kind, used sewerage pipes and used chemical containers 
Re-treaded tyres 
Used pneumatic tyres 
Fur skins and manufactures thereof, other than raw fur skins and tanned or dressed fur skins of sheep, lambs, rabbits, goats, kids thereof, calf and other animal fur not internationally prohibited  
Clothing (of asbestos) 
CNG cylinders and conversion kits, excluding CNG fitted public transport vehicles i.e. buses and vans 
CFC gas based refrigerators, deep-freezers and other re frigerating cooling, chilling equipment, CFC based air 
conditioning equipment  and CFC based compressors of these equipment 
Brewery machinery/machinery for alcoholic beverages 
Pressure horns and parts thereof 
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorized, whether or not fitted with weapons and parts of such vehicles, 
other than armoured security vans 
Military weapons, machine-guns, sub-machine-guns, automatic rifles of all calibers and other military fire-arms and 
projectiles (other than revolvers and pistols) 
Revolvers and pistols of prohibited bores and of calibers higher than 0.46 inches bore 
Arms of prohibited bores (including semi-automatic rifles of 7.62 mm and rifles of 8 mm to 9 mm bores) and arms of 
calibers higher than 0.22 bore rifles 
Other (fire arms and similar devices which operate by firing of an explosive charge), excluding ring blaster tools / 
boulder ballistic guns/riveting tools 
Other arms (for example, spring guns, air pistols and truncheons), excluding S. No. 61 of Part I of Appendix B 
Parts and accessories of articles of heading No. 93.01 to  93.04, excluding parts and accessories appearing against 
S. Nos. 65 & 66 of Part I of Appendix B 
Ammunition and parts of ammunition, excluding ammunition for weapons of non-prohibited bores and cartridges for 
riveting or similar tools 
Gambling equipment 
Stolen goods 
Source: Ministry of Commerce, Trade Policy 2012-15 , Part A, Import Policy Order, Appendix A. WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 97 - 
 
  Table A3. 3 Restricted imports, 2012-15  
Commodity description Conditions 
Part 1 Health and Safety Requirements 
Live animals, animal semen and embryos (i) Importable subject to quarantine requirement of Animal 
Quarantine Department of Ministry of National Food 
Security & Research, Government of Pakistan; and  
(ii) import of wild life species including those mentioned 
in Appendix II of the CITES shall be allowed only 
after obtaining NOC from National Council for 
Conservation of Wild Life (NCCW) 
Fish and fishery products Importable subject to quarantine requirement of Marine 
and Fishery Department of Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Government of Pakistan 
All species of plants and parts thereof. 
Whether living or dead, stems, branches, tubers, bulbs, 
corms, stock, bud-wood, layers, slips, suckers, green scum 
on stagnant pool, leaves fruits rhizomes etc. Importable subject to compliance of phytosanitary 
requirements and drawing of samples and testing quality by 
Department of Plant Protection and Federal Seed 
Certification Agency of Ministry of National Food Security 
and Research, Government of Pakistan 
Sugarcane seeds, banana and suckers, vegetable seeds, seed potatoes, oil seeds, flower seeds and other field crop seeds including Tubers, Rhizomes, roots, cuttings, etc. (i) Importable subject to drawing of samples and testing 
of quality by Federal Seed Certification Agency  and 
Department of Plant  Protection of Ministry of National 
Food Security & Research, Government of Pakistan; 
(ii) import of rice seeds shall be subject to strict 
quarantine measures prescribed under the Seed Act 1976 (XXIX of 1976), and any other related law; 
(iii) import of opium poppy seeds shall be allowed from 
those countries only where it is legally produced 
Fresh and dry fruits Importable subject to production of aflatoxin report to the 
effect that the consignment is free from any pests/diseases, 
to be certified by Department of Plants Protection, Ministry 
of National Food Security & Research, Government of 
Pakistan 
Betel nuts (Areca) Importable subject to production of phytosanitary certificate 
issued by the competent authorities of the country of 
origin/export confirming that the exported goods are free from infestation; and are fit for human consumption 
Red chillies, (whole) Importable subject to production of aflatoxin report to 
the effect that the consignment is free from any 
pests/diseases, to be certified by the Dept. of Plant 
Protection, Ministry of National Food Security & Research, 
Government of Pakistan 
Wheat Importable subject to the specifications notified by the 
Ministry of National Food Se curity & Research, Government 
of Pakistan from time to time and subject to pre-shipment inspection by approved PSI agencies as per Appendix D 
Cotton seed Importable with prior approval of the Ministry of National 
Food Security & Research, Government of Pakistan 
Crude palm oil (i)  Importable only by the manufacturers having valid 
licence and registration from Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) for further processing and refining. Manufacturers who import oil shall not be allowed to sell palm oil in crude form to non-manufacturers; 
(ii) commercial importers importing bulk crude palm oil 
for storages shall also be allowed to import subject to safeguard mechanism to be notified by the Federal Board of Revenue 
Palm Stearin It will have distinct fat soluble colour to conform to the 
lovibond colour range of 10 red minimum on tintometer 
5 ¼ Cell to ensure that palm stearin is not misused for 
edible oil/ghee making  
Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of tobacco substitutes Packets should carry the warning "smoking is injurious to 
health" WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 98 - 
 
  Commodity description Conditions 
All edible products Imports shall be subject to following conditions: 
(i) it must be fit for human consumption; 
(ii) they shall be free of any "haram" element or 
ingredients; 
(iii) edible products shall have at least 50% of the shelf 
life, calculated from the date of filing of Import 
General Manifest (IGM) 
(iv) where conditions at (iii) above are not printed on 
the packing, certificate issued by the Manufacturers 
or Principals in respect of these conditions shall be 
accepted by Customs Authorities; 
(v) that, in case of meat, it was obtained from "halal" 
animals and slaughtered in accordance with the 
Islamic injunctions; 
(vi) import of edible oil in bulk quantity shall be on 
landed weight and quality basis 
Radioactive materials and radiation apparatus Import of Radioactive materials and apparatus as specified 
in Annex B-1, will be subject to the prior approval of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority 
Asbestos Import of asbestos of chrysotile type of following 
specification only shall be allowed: 
Specification: 
Colour-white to Grey; and 
Density 2.4g/cm3 to 2.6g/cm3 
Conditions: 
Certificate from the exporter confirming that type of 
asbestos being exported is chrysotile asbestos with the 
above specifications. The importers of asbestos will clearly 
mention the type of the asbestos being imported in the 
import documents 
Arsenic and arsenic compound Importable by industrial consumers who have valid 
licenses issued by the concerned Environment Protection Agency/ Department under PEPA 1997 
Calcium carbide, whether or not chemically defined Importable with prior approval of the Department of 
Explosives 
Ozone Depleting Substances Import of ozone depleting substances specified at Appendix 
F shall be subject to the policy/quota allocations to be laid down by the Ministry of Climate Change from time to time 
Acetic anhydride Importable by concerned industrial consumers after 
obtaining NOC from the Ministry of Narcotics Control. 
However, the quantity to be imported by the Industrial 
consumers will be determined by the FBR and for the 
concerned Pharmaceutical Units, by the Ministry of 
Health.  
Provided that acetone, hydrochloric acid and sulphuric 
acid appearing against Sr. Nos. 32, 35 and 38 shall also 
be importable by the Research Laboratories both in public 
or private sector & educational institutions subject to 
NOC from the Ministry of Narcotics Control 
N-Aceylanthranilic acid -do- 
Isosafrole -do- 
Ephedrine -do- 
Ergometrine -do- 
Ergotamine -do- 
Lysergic acid -do- 
3-4-Methylenedionyphenyl-2-propanone -do- 
Norephedrine -do- 
1-Phenyl-2-propanone -do- 
Piperonal -do- 
Pseudoephedrine -do- 
Safrole -do- 
Acetone -do- 
Anthranilic acid -do- 
Ethyl ether -do- 
Hydrochloric acid -do- 
Phenylacctic acid -do- 
Piperidine -do- 
Sulphuric acid -do- 
Potassium permanganate Importable by industrial consumer, pharmaceutical units 
and commercial importers subject to NOC by the Ministry 
of Narcotics Control WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 99 - 
 
  Commodity description Conditions 
Toluene -do- 
Formaldehyde Import shall be allowed only to industrial consumers who 
have valid license issued by the environmental 
agency/dept. concerned under the Pakistan 
Environmental Protection Act, 1997 
All narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except items 
on Banned List Importable only by those pharmaceutical units having valid 
drugs manufacturing licence on the authorization of Ministry of Health. Such imports shall however be subject to meeting the conditions prescribed for imports of pharmaceutical raw materials vide S.No.7 of Part II of Appendix B 
Human blood and its fractions Consignment shall be released on production of AIDs and 
hepatitis B & C free certificate 
Contaminated blood samples for laboratory test Importable on the recommendation of Ministry of Health 
subject to following conditions: 
(i) the importing laboratory is duly approved by Ministry 
of Health prior to import  of contaminated blood 
samples; 
(ii) the laboratories have qualified staff and state of the 
art equipment to ensure: a) bio safety of lab environment b) safety of waste disposal; and 
(iii) the importing laboratory complies with the procedure 
prescribed by Ministry of Health, for import, handling and waste disposal of contaminated blood samples 
Food colours Food colours as specified vide Annex B-2 shall be allowed 
subject to production of cert ificate from the Government 
of the exporting country that it is in use or registered in 
that country, and carrying fair and true labelling 
Food colour lakes, prepared from colours of heading 
No. 3204.9000 -do- 
Dyes Importable subject to certificate from the suppliers that 
the dyes are neither based on benzidine, nor contain any 
contents thereof 
Explosives Department of Explosives of Ministry of Industries shall 
allow import of explosives only on the production of NOC by the importers from the Defence Production Division 
Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-
sprouting products, disinfectants and similar products, 
excluding plants growth regulators, put up in forms or 
packing for retail sale or as preparation, or articles (for 
example sulphur, treated bands, wicks and candles and fly-
papers) Importable in accordance with the provisions of the 
Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971 (II of 1971), as 
amended from time to time, and the rules made there 
under, and those drugs which are registered under the 
Drugs Act, 1976 (XXXI of 1976), and the rules made 
there under 
Waste, parings and scrap of Plastics, excluding hospital waste of all kind, used sewerage pipes and used chemical containers falling under their respective PCT codes (Sr. No. 26 of Appendix A refers)   Importable by industrial consumers subject to the 
fulfilment of following conditions: 
(i) certification confirming appropriate manufacturing 
facility and determination of import quota from concerned Federal/Provincial Environmental Protection Agency; 
(ii) inspection from technically qualified designated Pre-
Shipment Inspection companies to be notified by the 
Federal government from time to time that the 
imported consignment does not contain any hazardous waste, as defined in the Basel Convention 
Granules made by the recycling of plastics waste Importable subject to certification from the exporting 
country that the granules being exported are free from 
hazardous substance as defined in Basel Convention. 
Customs Authorities shall ensure strict compliance of the 
condition 
Used or refurbished cryogenic containers Import shall be allowed only by the industrial consumers 
or users subject to the following conditions:  
(i) refurbished prior to shipment; 
(ii) inspected by notified independent certifying body 
that such containers or cylinders are compliant with 
international safety standards; 
(iii) such containers or cylinders shall not be older than 
10 years 
Used or refurbished cylinders (for liquefied gas) for use in 
motor vehicles only Production of safety certificate from the Department of 
Explosives WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 100 - 
 
  Commodity description Conditions 
Passport printers, visa printers, laminators and laminate 
rolls Import of the following types of passport printers, visa 
printers, laminators and laminate rolls shall be allowed only by Directorate General Immigration and Passports: (i) Diletta 330i, 400i & 500i (Passport Printers) 
(ii) Diletta RL 90, CPL90, PL  90 (Passport Visa Printers) 
(iii) Diletta (Laminators) (iv) Advantage Make (Laminate Rolls) 
Steam and vapour generating boilers (other than central 
heating hot water boilers capable also of producing low 
pressure steam) and super-heated water boilers Importable subject to prior approval of the Chief Inspector 
of Boilers 
Provided that used boilers will also be allowed to be 
imported subject to the following conditions: 
(i) certification by any of the prescribed PSI companies as 
listed at paragraph 5 sub paragraph (6) for safety and 
remaining life of at least ten years; and 
(ii) production of certificate from Chief Inspector of boilers 
Machinery for arms and ammunition, high explosives, Radioactive substances, security printing, currency and mint Import shall be allowed to only such industrial units as have 
been duly sanctioned by the relevant Government agency 
Transmission apparatus whether or not incorporating 
reception apparatus, (excluding fax machines and mobile 
phones) T.V. transmission antenna system, field pick-up 
units STL equipment, VHF set, TV modulator and 
demodulator, video projection systems and video 
switching system Importable by PTV, concerned public sector agencies, and 
others licensed by the Federal Government. Companies 
having agreement with the concerned Government 
agencies for supply of cellular and mobile phone facility 
may also import this equipment 
Waste and scrap of exhausted batteries of automobiles  Import of such scrap shall be allowed only in favour of 
industrial consumers only for their own use subject to the condition that importer shall furnish to Customs Authorities: (a) a certificate from the concerned Federal or Provincial 
Environment Protection Agency that they have adequate 
manufacturing facility capable of handling hazardous wastes in accordance with the provision of Basel Convention; and  (b) permission or authorization specifying quantitative entitlement for the import of waste and scrap of electric accumulators issued by the or concerned Federal/Provincial Environment Protection Agency 
Armoured security vans, (new or second hand) Importable by banks and security companies for their own 
use, subject to special number plates to be obtained from 
the concerned provincial authorities 
Non-sterilized surgical needles and syringes Importable only by the industrial units duly registered 
with the concerned Federal or Provincial public health 
agency, for further processing of these goods into value added, final and finished products 
Active ingredients for formulation/manufacturing of 
pesticides Importable by industrial users only 
Arms and ammunition, not otherwise banned Importable in accordance with the procedure laid down 
by the Federal Government 
Air pistols, their parts and slugs  Importable by Pakistan Sports Boards, Provincial Sports 
Boards, National Rifle Association, Rifle Associations of 
armed forces and recognized or specialized sporting clubs, 
subject to the procedure to be notified by the Federal 
Government 
Barrel blanks for recoilless rifles, guns and mortars, and other parts and accessories of arms Importable by units authorized to manufacture arms 
Parts and accessories of arms and ammunition non-
prohibited bores Importable, irrespective of import status, by duly 
sanctioned export oriented units for manufacturing of arms 
and ammunition meant for 100% export. Customs 
Authorities will ensure that all requirements for 
manufacture-cum-export are met 
Sporting ammunition (i) registration or affiliation with the relevant authorities 
(ii) endorsement of their requirement by: National Rifle Association of Pakistan (NRAP); Administrator of the Gun Club Islamabad; and  Respective Armed Forces Headquarters in case of 
sportsmen of the Armed Forces; and  
(iii) import will be affected directly and shall be subject to a maximum limit of the 35,000 cartridges or bullets per year WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 101 - 
 
  Commodity description Conditions 
All equipment used for reception, broadcast and 
distribution of satellite signals pertaining to the field of 
electronic media such as satellite dishes, decoders 
receivers, digital satellite news gathering (DSNG), 
encoder, modulator, high  power amplifier (HPA), 
integrated digital receiver (I RD), broadband global access 
network (B-GAN), LNA (low noise amplifier), LNB (low 
noise block), camera with satellite transmission Facility, 
digital head end, etc. Import shall be allowed into the country only after 
obtaining specific permission/NOC from the Pakistan 
Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) 
Toys for infant  Importable subject to certification from the exporting 
countries that the toys imported shall be in accordance with the international standards and are free from hazardous; toxic elements 
Auto pilot kits  Import shall be allowed only in favour of authorized 
agencies/departments subject to NOC from Ministry of 
Defence 
Source: Ministry of Commerce, Trade Policy 2012-15 , Part I, Import Policy Order, Appendix B. 
  
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 102 - Table A3. 4 Customs active/operati ve notifications/SROs export 
 SRO  Title Issue date 
1 755(I)/2014 
The Federal Board of Revenue is pleased to authorize repayment of customs-duties 21-08-2014 
2 327(I)/2008 
The Federal Board of Revenue is  pleased to make the rules 29-03-2008 
3 326(I)/2008 
The Federal Government is pleased to exempt from the whole of cu stoms duties, sales tax and federal excise duty leviable on all  the goods 
imported into and exported from an Export-Oriented Unit subject 29-03-2008 
4 209(I)/2009 
This notification allows duty drawback rates on export of textile and allied products 05-03-2009 
5 210(I)/2009 
This notification allows duty drawback rates on export of leather and allied products and sports goods  05-03-2009 
6 212(I)/2009 
This notification allows duty drawback rates on export of miscellaneous products like packing materials, edible products, plast ic products, 
etc.  05-03-2009 
7 594(I)/2009 
Regulatory duty at the rate of 25% ad valorem  levied on export of goods classifiable und er the H.S. Codes in the table on the above 
mentioned SRO 25-06-2009 
8 323 (I)/2010 
Levy of regulatory duty at the rate of 15% ad valorem  on export of all types of yarn for sixty days with immediate effect 13-05-2010 
9 888(I)/2009 
The Federal Board of Revenue is pleased to make the following further amendment in the Export Oriented Units and Small & Medium  
Enterprises Rules, 2008 15-10-2009 
10 805(I)/2009 
Federal government is pleased to rescind its Notification No. SRO 1185 (I)/2007, dated 5 December 2007 with immediate effect 16-09-2009 
11 482(I)/2007 
Regulatory duty on ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap 09-06-2007 
12 321(I)/2009 
Federal government is pleased to direct that a regulatory duty at the rate of 15% ad valorem  shall be levied on export of molasses with 
immediate effect 10-04-2009 
13 1080(I)/2005 
The CBR is pleased to direct that blankets, tens and tarpaulins shall be deemed to have been exported if supplied for the earth quake 
victims subject to the following conditions, namely:  (a) the supplies are made through the Federal Relief Commissioner or Provincial Relief Commissioners and a certificate to this effect  is 
produced to the concerned Collector of Customs or th e Collector of Sales Tax, as the case may be; and 
(b) the supplies are made on the basis of f.o.b. prices  22-10-2005 
14 211(I)/2009 
This notification allows duty drawback rates on export of engineering/metal and allied products  05-03-2009 
15 1185(I)/2007 
Regulatory duty at the rate of 35% ad valorem  on export of wheat products 05-12-2007 
16 946(I)/2008 
Regulatory duty equivalent to the Price Differential Claims (PDC), in Rupees per litre, of High Speed Diesel (HSD) and Superior  Kerosene Oil 
(SKO) as notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources  04-09-2008 
17 1186(I)/2007 
Rescind the notification No. SRO 474(I)/2006, dated 22 May 2006 05-12-2007 
18 1065(I)/2005 
This Notification issued in suppression of SRO 410/2001 dated 18 June 2001. According to the new Notification, the facility of temporary 
importation is available to exporters also registered 20-10-2005 
19 (I)/2007 
ATA Carnet Rules 28-07-2007 
20 492(I)/2006 
35% Regulatory duty on export of pulses 26-05-2006 
21 1211(I)/2005 
Amendment in SRO 450(I)/2001, dated 18 June 2001, Customs rules, 2001  09-12-2005 
22 1011(I)/2005 
20% Regulatory duty on export of raw and wet blue hides 27-09-2005 
23 783(I)/2005 
This notification rescinded 7 standard DDB notifications 06-08-2005 
24 259(I)/2004 
Duty Draw Back - Fibre cement pipes 07-05-2004 
25 1028(I)/2003 
Duty Draw Back - Central Excise on export of lubricating oil 06-11-2003 
26 315(I)/2004 
Duty Draw Back - Artificial leather (PVC binding material) 21-05-2004 
27 416(I)/2002 
Reward Rules (Customs) 26-06-2002 
28 (I)/2010 
Imposing of regulatory duty at the rate of 25% ad valorem  on export of waste and scrap of copper and aluminium and on bars, rods, 
ingots, slabs, and billets 13-03-2010 
29 811(I)/2013 
Composition of the Directorate General of Input Output Coefficien t Organization (IOCO), Pakistan Customs in Karachi for the pur pose of 
exercising powers and duties 20-09-2013 
Source: Federal Bureau of Revenue.  
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 103 - Table A3. 5 Customs active/operati ve notifications/SROs import  
 SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
1 568(I)/2014 
The Federal Government is pleased to levy regulatory duty on import of goods 26-06-2014 16-07-2014 631(I)/2014 11-07-2014  
2 559(I)/2008 
Exemption from customs duty and sales tax on import of specified items for 
manufacture of specified goods for AJ&K (Survey based) 06-11-2008 16-07-2014 580(I)/2014 28-06-2014  
3 499(I)/2013 
SRO 499(I)/2013 superseded SRO 607(I)/2012, dated 2 June 2012 12-06-2013 26-06-2014 567(I)/2014 
607(I)/2012 607(I)/2012 607(I)/2012 26-06-2014 
02-06-2012 
02-06-2012 
02-06-2012 
4 565(I)/2006 
Exemption from customs duty on import of raw materials, sub-components, 
components, sub-assemblies and assemblies, for manufacture of specified 
goods (survey based) 05-06-2006 26-06-2014 565(I)/2014 
164(I)/2013 
120(I)/2013 
767(I)/2012 26-06-2014 
01-03-2013 
19-02-2013 
22-06-2012 
 
 
5 577(I)/2005 
Exemption from customs duty on machinery and equipment 06-06-2005 26-06-2014 562(I)/2014 
275(I)/2011 
(I)/2010 
25(I)/2009 
560(I)/2008 26-06-2014 
26-03-2011 
15-02-2010 
12-01-2009 
11-06-2008 
6 280(I)/2014 
Pakistan - Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 08-04-2014 23-04-2014 854(I)/2014 26-09-2014 
 
7 450(I)/2001 
Customs rules, 2001 
 18-06-2001 05-03-2014 202(I)/2014 
121(I)/2014 174(I)/2013 
54(I)/2013 48(I)/2013 47(I)/2013 22(I)/2013 
1409(I)/2012 
1332(I)/2012 1345(I)/2012 
601(I)/2012 264(I)/2012 204(I)/2012 
18(I)/2012 10(I)/2012 
601(I)/2011 250(I)/2011 136(I)/2011 688(I)/2010 
601(I)/2010 
581(I)/2010 510(I)/2010 
(I)/2010 (I)/2010 18-03-2014 
27-02-2014 
05-03-2013 
31-01-2013 
30-01-2013 
24-01-2013 
18-01-2013 
30-11-2012 
24-10-2012 
24-10-2012 
01-06-2012 
14-03-2012 
27-02-2012  
05-01-2012  
02-01-2012  
13-06-2011  
16-03-2011  
21-02-2011  
27-07-2010  
28-06-2010  
24-06-2010  
11-06-2010  
24-05-2010  
24-05-2010   
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 104 -  SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
339(I)/2010 
340(I)/2010 124(I)/2010 
1091(I)/2009 
612(I)/2009 600(I)/2009 493(I)/2009 176(I)/2009 
90(I)/2008 
(I)/2007 
1070(I)/2007 
943(I)/2007 
889(I)/2007 704(I)/2007 483(I)/2007 506(I)/2007 286(I)/2007 143(I)/2007 
(I)/2006 
945(I)/2006 574(I)/2006 171(I)/2006 
94(I)/2006 
1174(I)/2005 
1100(I)/2005 1019(I)/2005 
867(I)/2005 844(I)/2005 714(I)/2005 563(I)/2005 492(I)/2005 271(I)/2005 198(I)/2005 210(I)/2005 623(I)/2004 
461(I)/2004 
859(I)/2003 704(I)/2003 482(I)/2003 490(I)/2003 801(I)/2002 
(I)/2002 
634(I)/2002 375(I)/2002 376(I)/2002 247(I)/2002 20-05-2010  
20-05-2010  
01-03-2010  
10-12-2009  
29-06-2009  
26-06-2009  
13-06-2009  
19-02-2009  
29-01-2008  
08-11-2007  
31-10-2007  
14-09-2007  
01-09-2007  
10-07-2007  
09-06-2007  
09-06-2007  
31-03-2007  
20-02-2007  
08-12-2006  
05-09-2006  
05-06-2006  
24-02-2006  
07-02-2006  
23-11-2005  
24-10-2005  
29-09-2005  
24-08-2005  
16-08-2005  
13-07-2005  
06-06-2005  
23-05-2005  
24-03-2005  
28-02-2005  
28-02-2005  
19-07-2004  
12-06-2004  
29-08-2003  
10-07-2003  
07-06-2003  
07-06-2003  
15-11-2002  
13-11-2002  
16-09-2002  
15-06-2002  
15-06-2002  
08-05-2002   
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 105 -  SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
8 693(I)/2006 
Levy of additional customs duty on import of specified goods 01-07-2006 29-10-2013 939(I)/2013 
09(I)/2013 
1403(I)/2012 
576(I)/2012 
1098(I)/2011 
491(I)/2009 
711(I)/2008 
561(I)/2008 
(I)/2007 
498(I)/2007 
1124(I)/2006 
1089(I)/2006 21-10-2013 
04-01-2013 
30-11-2012 
01-06-2012 
16-12-2011 
13-06-2009 
02-07-2008 
11-06-2008 
02-08-2007 
09-06-2007 
10-11-2006 
01-11-2006 
9 656(I)/2006 
Exemption of customs duty for OEMs of automotive sector 22-06-2006 29-10-2013 
  940(I)/2013 
496(I)/2013 334(I)/2013 
1402(I)/2012 
490(I)/2009 563(I)/2008 496(I)/2007 
1123(I)/2006 1007(I)/2006 
990(I)/2006 20-10-2013 
12-06-2013 
08-04-2013 
30-11-2012 
13-06-2009 
11-06-2008 
09-06-2007 
10-11-2006 
25-09-2006 
18-09-2006  
10 492(I)/2009 
Supersession of FBR Notification No. SRO 1065(I)/2005, dated 
20 October 2005 13-06-2009 29-10-2013   
11 741(I)/2013 
Federal government is pleased to  exempt, with effect from  
 1 September 2013, the import into Pakistan from Indonesia of the goods specified in Notification (Customs) of 28 August 2013 06-09-2013 10-09-2013   
12 482(I)/2009 
Review of regulatory duty on luxury/non-essential goods under 
SRO 482(I)/2009 dated 13 June 2009 13-06-2009 30-08-2013 
 
 742(I)/2013 
577(I)/2012 
479(I)2011 
1056(I)/2010 
_(I)/2009 28-08-2013 
01-06-2012 
03-06-2011 
29-11-2010 
22-08-2009  
13 576(I)/2006 
Exemption of duty and taxes on vehi cle imported by privileged person 
/organization/office at the stage of their disposal 05-06-2006 01-08-2013 
 239(I)/2013 22-03-2013  
14 655(I)/2006 
Exemption of customs duty for vendors of automotive sector 22-06-2006 01-08-2013 
 
 495(I)/2013 
1401(I)/2012 
489(I)/2009 
562(I)/2008 
497(I)/2007 
1122(I)/2006 12-06-2013 
30-11-2012 
13-06-2009 
11-06-2008 
09-06-2007 
10-11-2006  
15 172(I)/2013 
Amnesty scheme for smuggled/seized vehicles 05-03-2013 11-03-2013 
  _(I)/2013 
209(I)/2013 185(I)/2013 02-04-2013 
13-03-2013 
08-03-2013  
16 176(I)/2013 
Provisions of Chapter XVI-A of Customs Act, 1969 (Roll-out of WEBOC Project) 05-03-2013 07-03-2013   
17 682(I)/2006 
Fixed amount of duty/taxes on passengers baggage 29-06-2006 20-02-2013 
 1471(I)/2012 13-12-2012 
  
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 106 -  SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
18 1404(I)/2012 
SRO 1404(I)/2012 dated 30 November 2012 30-11-2012 30-11-2012   
19 41(I)/2009 
Incentive package for special industrial zones/economics 19-01-2009 31-08-2012 
 1097(I)/2012 31-08-2012 
 
20 42(I)/2009 
Incentive package for the development of Pak-China investment zones 19-01-2009 31-08-2012 
 1098(I)/2012  
21 1090(I)/2010 
FBR is pleased to entrust to the officers of the Pakistan Rangers, Frontier Corps 01-12-2010 29-07-2012 
 682(I)/2014 
797(I)/2012 
66(I)/2012  
22 522(I)/2012 
Extension in warehousing period and waiver of panel surcharge on overstayed 
warehoused goods 21-05-2012 20-06-2012 
 751(I)/2012  
23 1261(I)/2007 
Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia 31-12-2007 01-06-2012 
 583(I)/2012 
393(I)/2010  
24 894(I)/2006 
Exemption from customs duty on imports from Iran under Pak-Iran PTA 31-08-2006 01-06-2012 
 587(I)/2012 
501(I)/2007 01-06-2012 
09-06-2007  
25 659(I)/2007 
FTA with China 30-05-2007 01-06-2012 
 582(I)/2012 
86(I)/2011 14(I)/2011 01-06-2012 
04-02-2011 
08-01-2011  
26 558(I)/2004 
Exemption from customs duty on goods imported from SAARC and Eco 
countries 01-07-2004 01-06-2012 585(I)/2012 01-06-2012  
27 1296(I)/2005 
Exemption from duty under PAK-CHINA early harvest programme (EHP) 31-12-2005 01-06-2012 
  584(I)/2012 
502(I)/2007 01-06-2012 
09-06-2007  
28 1274(I)/2006 
Exemption of customs duty on import of goods into Pakistan from SAARC 
countries under SAFTA Agreement 29-12-2006 01-06-2012 
 1073(I)/2013 
588(I)/2012 
1297(I)/2008 
1260(I)/2007 
504(I)/2007 27-12-2013 
01-06-2012 
30-12-2008 
31-12-2007 
09-06-2007  
29 413(I) /2012 
Tracking and monitoring of cargo rules, 2012 25-04-2012 25-04-2012   
30 666(I)/2006 
Baggage rules 2006 28-06-2006 30-01-2012 
 69(I)/2012 
980(I)/2006 
805(I)2006 30-01-2012 
15-09-2006 
08-08-2006  
31 566(I)/2005 
Notified goods in terms of Section 2(s) of the Customs Act, 1969 06-06-2005 24-11-2011 
 1060(I)/2011 
36(I)/2011 
_(I)/2010 
651(I)/2009 
174(I)/2007 24-11-2011 
13-01-2011 
11-02-2010 
08-07-2009 
21-02-2007  
32 499(I)/2009 
Supersession of its Notification No. SRO 487(I)/2007 dated 9 June 2007 13-06-2009 25-08-2011 
 794(I)/2011 
604(I)/2009 25-08-2011 
27-06-2009 
33 646(I)/2011 
The Federal government is pleased to remit whole amount of penalties and 
surcharge under Section 202A 25-06-2011 29-06-2011 
 664(I)/2011 
667(I)/2011 29-06-2011 
29-06-2011  
34 595/2011 
FBR extends warehousing period and waiver off penal surcharge on overstayed 
warehoused goods 10-06-2011 10-06-2011    
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 107 -  SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
35 678(I)/2004 
Exemption from customs duty and sales tax to exploration and production 
(E&P) companies on import of machinery, equipment , specialized vehicles/vessels and helicopter etc. 07-08-2004 03-06-2011 
 478(I)2011 
558(I)/2008 875(I)/2007 398(I)/2007 437(I)/2006 571(I)/2005 03-06-2011 
11-06-2008 
29-08-2007 
17-05-2007 
10-05-2006 
06-06-2005  
36 277(I)/2010 
Duty free import of new car of engine capacity not exceeding 1350cc by a 
Pakistani disabled national 27-04-2010 27-04-2010   
37 497(I)/2009 
Exemption of customs duties beyond spec ified rates on items of no concession 
list imported from China 13-06-2009 26-02-2010 
 104(I)/2010 
595(I)/2009 22-02-2010 
26-06-2009  
38 71(I)/2010 
Exemption from whole of the amount of default surcharge penalty 11-02-2010 11-02-2010   
39 1025(I)/2009 
Declaration of Customs Station 07-12-2009 12-12-2009   
40 340(I)/2009 
The Federal government is pleased to levy a fee of rupees three hundred per 
piece of all types of seals to be used for Pakistan Customs Container Security 
System (PCCSS) and such fee shall be inclusive 16-04-2009 30-09-2009 
 837(I)/2009 30-09-2009  
41 809(I)/2009 
The Federal government is pleased to exempt machinery and equipment, if 
imported by textile industrial units 19-09-2009 19-09-2009   
42 808(I)/2009 
Levy of regulatory duty at the rate of 25% ad valorem  on the import of ware 
potato 19-09-2009 19-09-2009 
 712(I)/2014 
339(I)/2014 05-08-2014 
02-05-2014  
43 1151(I)/2007 
Preferential Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Mauritius 26-11-2007 13-06-2009   
44 391(I)/2009 
The Federal Board of Revenue is please d to direct that Mr. Ghulam Serwar 
Shah, Deputy Collector, Model Customs Collectorate, Multan, shall exercise the 
powers of the Additional Collector of Customs Co. 18-05-2009 18-05-2009   
45 268(I)/2009 
The Federal Board of Revenue is please d to specify the following to be the 
customs limits of Dera Ghazi Khan Airport, Dera Ghazi Khan 28-03-2009 28-03-2009   
46 269 (I)/2009 
The Federal Board of Revenue  is pleased to approve the proper places in the 
customs airport (Dera Ghazi Khan Airport), Dera Ghazi Khan 28-03-2009 28-03-2009   
47 270 (I)/2009 
The Federal Board of Revenue is please d to specify the following to be the 
customs limits of Sheikh Zayed Airport, Rahim Yar Khan 28-03-2009 28-03-2009   
48 271(I)/2009 
The Federal Board of Revenue  is pleased to approve the proper places in the 
customs Sheikh Zayed Airport, Rahim Yar Khan 28-03-2009 28-03-2009   
49 267(I)/2009 
The Federal Board of Revenue  is pleased to direct that the following further 
amendment shall be made in its Notification No. SRO 101(I)/83, dated 12 February 1983 28-03-2009 28-03-2009   
50 77(I)/2009 
The Federal government is pleased to levy regulatory duty at the rate of 25% 
ad valorem  on the import of ware potato 29-01-2009 03-02-2009 
106 (I)/2009  03-02-2009  
51 1250(I)/2008 
The Federal government is pleased to extend up to 31 December 2008, the 
period for which warehoused goods may remain in the warehouse 06-12-2008 06-12-2008   
52 896(I)/2008 
Levy of Regulatory Duty on Non-Essential and Luxury Items 27-08-2008 27-08-2008 
 198(I)/2009 
105(I)/2009 
55(I)/2009 28-02-2009 
03-02-2009 
24-01-2009   
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 108 -  SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
53 487(I)/2007 
Smuggled Goods and Vehicles in violat ion of import policy order not to be 
released  09-06-2007 23-06-2008 
 (I)/2008 
656(I)/2008 568(I)/2008 202(I)/2008 139(I)/2008 
95(I)/2008 
1098(I)/2007 
968(I)/2007 23-06-2008 
23-06-2008 
11-06-2008 
01-03-2008 
12-02-2008 
29-01-2008 
08-11-2007  
54 316(I)/2007 
Exemption on customs duty and sales tax on import of plant and machinery for 
development of special industrial and economic zones 12-04-2007 11-06-2008 
 556(I)/2008 11-06-2008  
55 553(I)/2008 
Rescinds regulatory duty SRO 947(I )/2007, dated 12 September 2007 and 
SRO 1172(I)/2007 dated 5 December 2007 11-06-2008 11-06-2008   
56 555(I)/2008 
C.E/M.D. of WAPDA, KESC, Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited and Sui Southern 
Gas Company have been authorized to issue installation/consumption 
certificate instead of S.T & F.E. Department… 11-06-2008 11-06-2008   
57 412(I)/2008 
The Federal government is pleased to direct that the cooling towers, heat 
recovery steam generators and feed water pumps if imported by the New Independent Power Producers (IPPs), as specified below 30-04-2008 30-04-2008   
58 (I)/2007 
Rangers in Punjab, Sindh authorized to carry out anti-smuggling functions 26-12-2007 26-12-2007   
59 1121(I)/2007 
Exemption from customs duty leviable on import of vehicle classifiable under 
PCT 8703 meant for transportation of persons having bullet-proofing and other security features 17-11-2007 17-11-2007   
60 (I)/2007 
Regulatory duty on imports 12-09-2007 12-09-2007   
61 822(I)/1991 
Exemption from warehousing surcharge on certain goods 20-08-1991 29-08-2007 
 888(I)/2007 
25(I)/2005 
541(I)/98 406(I)/96 888(I)/92 
11(I)/92 
1252(I)/1992 29-08-2007 
06-01-2005 
12-06-1998 
13-06-1996 
15-09-1992 
11-01-1992  
62 (I)/2007 
Regulatory duty on import of sugur 05-12-2007 02-08-2007   
63 485(I)/2007 
Amnesty from payment of penalty, fine and surcharge  09-06-2007 09-06-2007   
64 488(I)2007 
Rescinding SROs (SRO 1074(I)/2006, SRO 1089(I)/2006, SRO 44(I)/2007) 09-06-2007 09-06-2007   
65 489(I)2007 
Rescinding SROs 09-06-2007 09-06-2007   
66 491(I)/2007 
General amnesty has been notified for liquidation of financial securities 09-06-2007 09-06-2007   
67 492(I)/2007 
Exemption has been granted to vehicle tracking systems  09-06-2007 09-06-2007   
68 1298(I)/2005 
Exemption from duty under PAK Malaysia Early Harvest Programme (EHP) 31-12-2005 09-06-2007 
 503(I)/2007 09-06-2007  
69 43(I)/2007 
Exemption from customs duty on copper cathodes and aluminium ingots 17-01-2007 09-06-2007 
 500(I)/2007 09-06-2007   
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 109 -  SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
70 554(I)/1998 
Exemption from customs duty and sales tax on import of machinery for setting 
up a manufacturing unit or for the expansion, balancing, modernization and 
replacement (BMR) of existing units 12-06-1998 09-06-2007 
 493(I)/2007 
149(I)/2007 
896(I)/2005 
452(I)/2004 
354(I)/2002 
732(I)/1999 
 09-06-2007 
24-02-2007 
30-08-2005 
12-06-2004 
07-06-2003 
15-06-2002 
12-06-1999  
71 395(I)/2007 
Exemption from customs duty on import of vehicles by war-disabled defence 
force personnel or by a civil disabled person 14-05-2007 14-05-2007   
72 577(I)/2006 
Exemption of duty and taxes on vehicles imported by diplomatic 
representatives/missions at the stage of the disposal 05-06-2006 25-04-2007 
 342(I)2007 25-04-2007 
 
73 224(I)/2007 
Extension of warehousing period and remiss ion of surcharge 10-03-2007 10-03-2007   
74 888(I)/2004 
Alternate Dispute Resolution 30-10-2004 24-11-2005 
 209(I)/2005 
84(I)/2005 26-02-2005 
27-01-2005  
75 71(I)/1995 
Exemption from customs duty on import of raw materials for manufacture of 
goods by such industries which commenced commercial operation up to 30 June 1999 in Special Industrial Zones 19-01-1995 24-11-2005 
 449(I)/2004 
(I)/2001 
703(I)/1999 
84(I)/1996 12-06-2004 
10-12-2001 
12-06-1999 
30-01-1996  
76 125(I)/1999 
List of perishable goods under the Customs Act, 1969 27-02-1999 24-11-2005 
 895(I)/2005 29-08-2005  
77 559(I)/2000 
Exemption from payment of customs duties  and sales tax on specified goods, if 
imported by British Airways 12-08-2000 24-11-2005   
78 486(I)/2003 
Concessionary additional customs duty as surcharge 07-06-2003 24-11-2005   
79 487(I)/2003 
Takeover of Imported Goods Rules, 2003 07-06-2003 24-11-2005 
 459(I)/2004 12-06-2004  
80 497(I)/1991 
Conditions regulating the import of acetic anhydride 30-05-1991 24-11-2005   
81 371(I)/2002 
Notified Appropriate Officers under various sections of the Customs Act, 
1969 (IV of 1969) 15-06-2002 15-12-2004   
82 249(I)/1981 
Customs Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Rules, 1981 25-03-1981 24-11-2004 
 1022(I)/2012 
627(I)/2000 
941(I)/97 
142(I)/88 27-08-2012 
04-09-2000 
06-10-1997 
25-02-1988  
83 224(I)/2010 
Customs notification 02-04-2010    
84 SRO 337(I)/2010 
Extension of Warehouse Period (penal surcharge) 18-05-2010    
85 486(I)/2009 
The Federal government is pleased to rescind its Notification 
No. SRO 767(I)/2000, dated 23 October 2000 13-06-2009    
86 487(I)/2009 
The Federal government is pleased to rescind notification 
No. SRO 492(I)/2007, dated 9 June 2007 13-06-2009    
87 494(I)/2009 
Amendments to the Export Oriented Units and Small and Medium Enterprises 
Rules 13-06-2009    
88 495(I)/2009 
Federal government is pleased to rescind its Notification  
No. SRO 482(I)/2007, dated 9 June 2007 13-06-2009    
89 SRO 820(I)/2010 
One time special exemption on export  18-08-2010    
90 SRO 71(I)/2010 
Exemption from whole of the amount of default surcharge and penalty 11-02-2010     
  WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan
 
- 110 -  SRO Title Issue date Last amended 
date Amended vide 
     SRO number Issue date 
91 598(I)/2013 
The Federal government is pleased to remit whole amount of fine payable by a 
person against whom an amount of customs duty is outstanding on account of any adjudication order or who has failed to pay any amount of customs duty or claimed an admissible refund or drawback of customs duty 22-06-2013    
92 598(I)/2013 
The Federal government is pleased to remit whole amount of fine payable by a 
person against whom an amount of customs duty is outstanding on account of 
any adjudication order or who has failed to pay any amount of customs duty or 
claimed an admissible refund or drawback of customs duty 21-06-2013    
Source: Federal Bureau of Revenue. 
 WT/TPR/S/311 • Pakistan 
 
- 111 - 
 
  Table A3. 6 List of items not importable  in used/second-hand condition, 2012-15  
Description 
Boilers (excluding used boilers subjec t to prior approval of the Chief Inspector of Boilers provided such used 
boilers are certified by any of the prescribed PSI companies as listed at Appendix H for safety and remaining life of at least 10 years) 
Compressors 
Air conditioners 
Refrigerators 
Hand tools (hand operated/power driven) by commercial importers 
Household type and other miscellaneous machinery, items/articles and parts thereof 
Machinery parts except the following: 
machinery parts and components by industrial units second-hand/reconditioned parts of the plant, mach inery and equipment by construction, mining and 
 petroleum sector companies (paragraph 9(ii)(3) refers) 
overhauled aircraft engines and parts (S r. No. 27 of Part II of Appendix B) 
Sugar plants, cement plants, oil refi nery, chemical plants, thermal power plants, hydel powe r plants, cranes, 
road rollers and machine tools, manufactured locally as  provided in relevant Cu stoms General Order, as 
amended from time to time, except static road rollers below ten tons and above 12 tonnes capacity not more 
than ten years old 
Machinery falling under PCT codes specified in Government of Pakistan, Trade Policy: 2012-15 , Part B, Export 
Policy Order, line 9, column 3 shall not be importable in second-hand or used condition. The ban shall however not apply on all kinds of computer-related equipment in  second hand or used condition falling under their 
respective PCT headings notwithstanding their inclusion in that column 
Vehicles of Chapter 87 (including likewise chassis of used automotive vehicles cut into minimum of two pieces 
whether or not described as steel scrap) except the following:  
dumpers designed for off-highway us e in CBU condition having payload capacity exceeding five tonnes 
subject to certification by the competent Authority of exporting country or a recognized pre-shipment company 
listed in Appendix H to the effect that said ma chinery/transport equipment (a) is compliant with EURO-II  
emission standards , and (b) is in good working condition/ has a remaining productive life of five years 
bullet proof vehicles (See Sr. No. 22 of Part II of Appendix B)  
armoured security vans H.S No.(8710.0010 & 8710.0090), (See Sr. No. 60 of Part I of Appendix B). 
spraying lorries or sprinklers (8705.9000), not older than five years shall be allowed subject to 
certification by a recognized pre-shipment company listed at Appendix H to the effect that the said lorries 
(a) compliant with Euro-II standards (b) are in accordance with the original manufacturer specifications and 
(c) have a useful productive life.  
A limited number of vehicles imported in completely  built-up (CBU) condition by the Export Processing 
Zones (EPZs) investors under special permission granted to  the industrial undertaking in the Export Processing 
Zones (EPZs) in terms of CBR's U.O No. 1980-81, CUS-EX/5(17), dated 11 April 1982, read with Customs 
General Order No. 1/83, dated 9 January 1983, shall be allowed to be disposed of in tariff area after five years 
of their import and usage by  the importing industrial undertakings on payment of leviable duties and taxes in 
accordance with law. 
Automatic specialized mobile trolleys in wet processing textile industry (8705.9000) 
Mobile cranes/lorries (8705.1000) by industrial units subject to certification by the competent Authority 
of exporting country or a recognized  pre-shipment company listed at Appe ndix H to the effect that said 
machinery/transport equipment (a) is compliant with Euro-II emission standards or not older than ten years, and 
(b) is in good working condition/has a remaining productive life of five years 
Mobile clinics (See Sr. No. 27 of Part II of Appendix B) 
Motorized wheelchairs (8713.0000) 
Prime movers (See Sr. No. 28 of Part II of Appendix B) 
Waste disposal trucks (8704.2299, 8704.2390) (See Sr. No. 24 of Part II of Appendix B) 
Fire-fighting vehicles (8705.3000) (See Sr. No. 25 of Part II of Appendix B) 
Ambulances (See Sr. No. 23 of Part II of Appendix B) 
Buses (87.02) not older than three years with seat ing capacity of forty or above, subject to the 
condition that such buses shall be certified by a pre-shipment inspection company, as listed in Appendix H, to 
the effect that such buses have a road-worthiness of at least five years from the date of importation. The 
formula for determining the age of vehi cles provided in the procedure for import of vehicles (Appendix E) shall 
be equally applicable in determining the age of buses 
Auto parts (including serviceable au to parts imported as steel scrap) 
Apparatus and appliances 
Source: Ministry of Commerce, Trade Policy 2012-15 , Part 2, Import Policy Order, Appendix B. 
__________