KARACHI: Senior Vice Chairman (SVC) of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Javed Jillani, and former Chairman Rafiq Suleman have urged the government to extend the Duty and Taxes Remission for Exports (DLTL) Scheme until September 30, 2026, to facilitate rice exporters, ease their financial burden, and help increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The association’s leaders stated that a timely decision by the government would not only provide much-needed relief to exporters but also enable Pakistan’s rice exports to exceed USD3 billion.
Speaking to the media, Javed Jillani said that the recent conflict in the Middle East and the resulting regional uncertainty had severely affected Pakistan’s rice exports.
He explained that the unavailability of vessels for nearly one and a half months, limited shipping line operations, and an extraordinary increase in freight charges prevented exporters from completing shipments on schedule. As a result, export orders were disrupted, and several international buyers turned to alternative suppliers.
He noted that the government had introduced the DLTL Scheme under the Export Development Fund to support exporters and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani rice in international markets. However, the scheme is scheduled to expire on June 30. He urged the government to extend its validity until September 30, considering the prevailing extraordinary circumstances, so that exporters could fulfill delayed orders and maintain Pakistan’s share in global markets.
Javed Jillani further said that Pakistani rice enjoys an excellent reputation in many countries due to its superior quality.
However, rising logistics costs, shipping challenges, and intense international competition have made government support indispensable.
He expressed confidence that if the government approved the proposed extension, Pakistan’s rice exports could exceed USD3 billion by the end of the current fiscal year, significantly boosting the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
On the occasion, former REAP Chairman Rafiq Suleman warned that failure to extend the DLTL Scheme would have serious consequences not only for exporters but also for rice mills, farmers, and the entire agricultural value chain.
He said that declining exports could put downward pressure on domestic rice prices, depriving farmers of fair returns on their produce and potentially discouraging rice cultivation in the upcoming season.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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