In a recent development, Murree Brewery Co. Ltd. has expressed significant concern over the Punjab Excise Department’s decision to halt the export of their alcoholic beverages. This issue was brought to light during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Saleem Mandviwalla, on Wednesday.
The Rawalpindi-based beverage company, a prominent player in the industry, reported that the Punjab government’s actions have resulted in substantial foreign exchange losses. The company’s operations fall under the jurisdiction of Punjab, and the Excise Department has questioned whether Murree Brewery has met local demand for alcoholic beverages before proceeding with exports.
Saleem Mandviwalla criticized the Punjab government’s involvement, stating that the Excise Department lacks the authority to interfere with export activities. “The Excise Department of Punjab has no mandate to stop exports,” Mandviwalla said, questioning the rationale behind the government’s actions based on local demand fulfillment.
In response, a Punjab government official informed the committee that there were no objections to the company’s export activities. Mandviwalla, however, pointed out the contradiction, asking why the company felt compelled to seek the committee’s intervention if no issues existed.
The Senate committee has directed the Punjab government to address and resolve the concerns raised by the Provincial Excise Department, aiming to facilitate the continuation of Murree Brewery’s export operations without further hindrance.
