Last Updated on: 14th July 2023, 07:42 pm
List of Banned Import Luxury Items in Pakistan 2022
The federal government has published a list of luxury and non-essential goods that are banned from entering Pakistan. The country has entered an economic crisis with the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) falling steadily due to the depletion of foreign exchange reserves due to a massive trade deficit against the US Dollar (USD to PKR).
The announcement was made by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb during a press conference in Islamabad. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was working day and night to stabilize the economy, which is why the government decided to ban imports of all non-essential and luxury goods into the country.
On Twitter, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his decision to ban imports of luxury goods would save the country valuable foreign exchange. “We will implement austerity measures, and the financially strongest people must lead the effort so that the less privileged among us do not have to bear this burden that the PTI government is putting on them,” the premier said. “Together we will meet all challenges with determination and determination, Insha’Allah,” he added.
The move comes as the Pakistani Rupee continues its downtrend against the US Dollar (USD to PKR). The local currency depreciated to 200 rupees against the dollar with no sign of stopping. The Pakistani rupee has fallen by Rs 15.91 since April 1st taking it to Rs 200 at the close of the interbank market on April 19, 2022.
Complete List of luxury goods prohibited from import into Pakistan
- Cars
- Cell phones
- Domestic appliances
- Fruits and nuts (except Afghanistan)
- Plates
- Private weapons and ammunition
- Shoes
- Chandeliers and lighting fixtures (except energy-saving lamps)
- Headphones and speakers
- Sauces
- Door and window frames
- Travel bags and suitcases
- Sanitary ware
- Fish and frozen fish
- Carpets (except Afghanistan)
- Fruit preserves
- Tissue paper
- Furniture
- Shampoos
- Confectionery
- Luxurious mattresses and sleeping bags
- Jams and jellies
- Cornflakes
- Toiletries
- Heaters, fans
- Sunglasses
- Cookware
- Sparkling water
- Frozen meat
- Juice
- Pasta
- Icy
- Cigarettes
- Shaving products
- Luxurious leather clothing
- Musical instruments
- Salon items such as hairdryers etc.
- Chocolates
The information minister said it was an emergency situation and Pakistanis should make sacrifices under the economic plan, adding that banning such imported items would help the country save about $6 billion. However, he mentioned that import orders for which the letter of credit had already been opened or payment had been made would be processed, but new ones would not be accepted.
