LAHORE: The jewellers’ community has demanded of the government to immediately withdraw ‘controversial’ SRO-760 which is the main hurdle in developing the gems and jewellery sector in the country and enhancing its exports.

The demand was raised by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Standing Committee on Jewellery Manufacturers and Retailers, Punjab Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association and Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewellers Association through a unanimous resolution approved at a joint meeting held here on Friday.

The meeting was chaired by the convener of the FPCCI committee and Lahore Division Sarafa and Jewellers Association Chairman Muhammad Ahmad. Speaking on this occasion, he said the jewellers’ community had always played its role in the development and progress of the country and is ready to pay its share of taxes in future but reject any policy given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He said it is astonishing that on one hand the government is trying to develop the gems and jewellery sector while on the other hand exports of gems and gold ornaments were banned through the controversial SRO-760. He said if the government is really interested in pushing this sector upward then it should immediately withdraw the SRO.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021