Justifying the decision to allow duty free imports of meat, poultry and vegetables from India, a minister has said the cheaper prices of these products will benefit the Pakistani public, reports Online news agency.

State Minister for Finance Omar Ayub said such imports would stabilise the soaring inflation. He cited the comparatively cheaper prices of the Indian products.

He assured the House that after due time adequate tax and customs charges would be levied on these products too.

Pakistan May 3 permitted the duty free import from India of five food items - meat/live animals, potatoes, tomatoes, onion and garlic - through the land route.