NA Commerce Committee Probes 20-Year Export Stagnation; Endorses Rs 15bn for Rice Sector. -

In a session held on Monday, February 23, 2026, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce launched a rigorous probe into Pakistan’s stagnant export performance. Lawmakers expressed deep concern that despite various initiatives, national exports have remained trapped in the $25–30 billion range for nearly two decades.

Key Takeaways from the Committee Session

The committee, chaired by Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, addressed critical bottlenecks and proposed multi-sectoral reforms:

Security vs. Economy: The Chairman noted that trade with neighboring countries often appears to be overshadowed by security considerations, resulting in negligible trade volumes despite diplomatic shifts.
Rice Sector Crisis: The committee discussed the sharp decline in rice exports, which fell nearly 50% in the first half of FY26. This downturn is attributed to global overproduction and the re-entry of subsidized Indian rice into the international market after the removal of export restrictions.
Financial Support (EDF): To restore competitiveness, the committee endorsed the timely allocation of Rs 15 billion from the Export Development Fund (EDF) specifically to support rice exporters.
Structural Hurdles: Members identified long-standing “loopholes” as major barriers, including high energy costs, complex taxation (such as the shift to the Normal Tax Regime), and a lack of regional coordination.
Inter-Ministry Coordination: The Chairman directed that representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs, along with the State Bank of Pakistan, be invited for in-camera briefings to resolve trade and regulatory issues.
Gems and Jewelry Potential: The sector’s estimated $450 billion in reserves were highlighted, with proposals for a new regulatory body and export promotion centers to stop illegal gold exports and improve hallmarking.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational and journalistic purposes based on the proceedings of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce. Proposed financial packages and policy reforms are subject to final approval by the relevant federal ministries and the cabinet.