Sialkot: The President of the Sialkot Chamber, Mr. Ikram ul Haq, has voiced strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) as outlined in draft SRO 204(I)/2025. Mr. Haq argued that the planned changes could severely impact the economic stability of Pakistani exporters, particularly affecting the small and medium-sized enterprises in Sialkot.

According to a statement by The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the proposed amendments include a reduction in the utilization period and the requirement of bank guarantees instead of post-dated cheques. These measures are expected to create liquidity issues and operational challenges for exporters. Mr. Haq emphasized that these changes contradict the government’s goal of increasing exports to USD 60 billion over the next five years under the URAAN Pakistan program.

Mr. Haq further explained that altering the current framework without consulting stakeholders could undermine exporter confidence and reduce export volumes, which would be detrimental to Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets. He warned that any disruption to the EFS could have widespread economic consequences and harm Pakistan’s position in international trade.

The President of Sialkot Chamber called on the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to intervene and reconsider the proposed amendments, urging them to withdraw draft SRO 204(I)/2025. “We ask the Honorable Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to take decisive steps to preserve the integrity of the Export Facilitation Scheme, which is indispensable for the sustained growth of our export sector,” Mr. Haq stated.

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