According to an official statement issued on Thursday, delegations from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) attended the meeting, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Production, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The minister said the focus was to assess the automobile and auto parts industry after the opening of commercial imports of used cars, and to discuss the import schemes for overseas Pakistanis while ensuring transparency and preventing misuse.
Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan said that introducing pre-shipment and post-shipment inspection systems through the Engineering Development Board (EDB), along with strict quality control measures, would effectively discourage misuse of commercial used car imports.
“By enforcing quality inspections and clear import rules, we aim to promote compliance and transparency while supporting Pakistan’s industrial growth,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the ministry’s priority is to facilitate local manufacturers and strengthen domestic production to make the sector more competitive and self-sustaining.
The minister added that the ministry is preparing proposals to amend existing used car import schemes to reduce the risk of commercial exploitation. The measures would enhance authenticity and curb unauthorised use of overseas import schemes.
He said an additional 40% regulatory duty has been imposed on commercial used car imports, which will gradually reduce each year to create a balanced incentive structure for the local automotive industry and ensure fair competition.
The meeting also reviewed a proposal to harmonise the baggage, gift, and transfer of residence schemes. Officials briefed that under current rules, the baggage scheme requires a six-month stay abroad. Industry representatives proposed standardising this period across all three schemes to simplify regulations and ensure uniformity.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan appreciated the industry’s constructive engagement and stressed closer coordination between the commerce and industries divisions. He said such consultations were essential for a sustainable and competitive automotive ecosystem.
He urged trade bodies to share proposals urgently for the upcoming Automobile Policy, which the Ministry of Industries aims to finalise by November.
During the discussions, PAMA and PAAPAM representatives shared suggestions on localisation, vendor development, tariff rationalisation, and incentives for research and development.
The commerce minister directed industry stakeholders to submit comprehensive proposals for a long-term automotive policy aligned with national industrial goals.
Concluding the meeting, Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, facilitation, and partnership with the private sector.
“Our goal is not only to prevent misuse in imports but also to strengthen local manufacturing and build Pakistan’s capacity for global competitiveness,” he said.
The meeting ended with an agreement to maintain regular consultations between the ministry and industry stakeholders to ensure sustained progress and growth in the automotive sector.