FBR directs to ensure speedy clearance of flood relief goods

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed the authorities concerned to ensure speedy clearance of goods imported for flood relief activities, ARY News reported on Friday.

According to details, the FBR has directed all Chief Collectors of Customs to ensure speedy clearance of flood relief goods including tents, mosquito tents, medicines, food stuff, rescue boats and ambulances.

Contributing its part to flood-relief efforts, FBR has instructed all Chief Collectors for speedy clearance of imported tents, mosquito-nets, rescue/relief boats, and other relief Items within 24 hours through effective coordination with NDMA & PDMAs. pic.twitter.com/1EDz8gT226

— FBR (@FBRSpokesperson) September 9, 2022

A notification, issued by FBR Customs Wing, stated: “In wake of devastation caused by the recent floods, it is critical that all such imported goods meant for flood relief are cleared immediately.”

Meanwhile, the board also notified the exemption of duties and taxes on the goods received as donations or imported for flood relief operations.

Read More: Finance Ministry estimates 12 billion dollars flood losses

The notification stated that for a period of ninety days the provisions of section 148 shall not apply to goods required and imported for relief operation for flood affectees.

A few days earlier, the National Disaster and Management Authority (NDMA) shared that at least 18 more people lost their lives in the last 24 hours from monsoon spell and floods in the country with Sindh province among the worst affected.

The NDMA report shared that out of 18 deaths, 14 were reported in Sindh, two in Punjab and one each in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “The overall death toll has reached 1,343 while 12,720 people were injured in the flooding,” it said.