Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed its displeasure over the lack of seriousness from car company CEOs. The committee pointed out the automakers’ reluctance to share their data with the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP).
PAC Chairman Noor Alam Khan was displeased by the absence of car company heads. He directed the ministry of industries and production (MoIP) to ensure their presence in the next meeting. “What are these automakers trying to prove by snapping photos with the political leaders?” he exclaimed.
He added that the MoIP also needs to control the pricing matter. Addressing the prime minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif, PAC also demanded the reopening of car imports. They added that the car imports will help supersede the monopoly of local auto assemblers.
The audit officials highlighted that, so far, 11 automakers are yet to submit their data to the AGP. Khan demanded that the automakers submit their data to the authority or their non-compliance will be brought to National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) attention.
Production Cuts Continue
While the PAC bashes the companies for their “lack of seriousness”, automakers continue to face a now long-standing production crisis.
Honda Atlas Cars Limited (HACL) announced yesterday that it has halted production from October 4 to October 11, 2022. In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Honda Atlas cited supply chain issues stemming from the government’s sanctions on imports and the deteriorating economy.
Likewise, automakers like Hyundai Nishat Motors Private Limited (HNMPL), Toyota Indus Motor Company (IMC), and Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) are observing regular non-production days (NPDs) to cope with the ongoing crisis.
A common consensus among experts suggests that, in such circumstances, the government and the auto industry should work together rather than lock horns with each other.
The higher authorities are requested to allow import of new and reconditioned cars so that the monopoly of Pakistani auto industry comes to an end as they are looting the public who wants to buy a vehicle.
This will help in bringing down the prices and improve the quality of the automobiles as per the international standards.
95% of the world are having right hand drive routes (With stearing on Left side). Pakistan should also adopt this by working a plan for it.
If we open imports than our balance of payments will increase causing ruppee to devalue further and causing car prices to go even higher including many other commodities. Its a double edged sword.
It would be better if the govt ask auto makers to implement 5 year plan for “Make in Pakistan” initiative. So 80% of car parts are manufactured in Pakistan using local industries. This will help boost economy for other industries.
Sub seh pehlay, own mafia ko khatam karo. Authorized dealers makes the life difficult by giving priority to dealers.
Just recently I went to buy a car from Toyota in Islamabad. Toyota turned me away but telling me that we cannot take your booking but can provide instant delivery if I buy from one of their dealers. I had no choice but to buy a car from dealer because Toyota dealership discourages booking.
Lastly, this is our govt fault by not implementing policy sooner. Now this car mafia network is very strong and they find ways to profit from average consumer.