APTMA urges Punjab govt to suspend 0.9% infrastructure cess on industrial imports

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has asked the Punjab government to halt its 0.9% Infrastructure Development Cess levied on industrial imports, according to Profit by Pakistan Today. The trade body argues the charge would raise production costs, hurt export competitiveness and deter investment in the province. APTMA chairman Asad Shafi made the case in a letter dated October 9, 2026, sent to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The levy applies to imports carrying a Punjab address, even when goods clear through another province, and it was communicated by email through Pakistan Single Window on October 1. The association was most critical of applying it to shipments cleared at Sindh ports, where a Sindh Infrastructure Cess is already levied, calling the overlap double taxation. It also said textile producers, which depend on imported cotton, fibres, dyes, chemicals and machinery, would feel the impact most.

APTMA has asked for collection through Pakistan Single Window to be halted until consultations with industry and chambers of commerce take place, and it wants an early meeting with the chief minister. The group argues the measure conflicts with government goals of boosting exports, reviving industry and attracting investment.