Business leaders urge the government to ensure fair competition in Pakistan’s automobile market, citing consumer choice, investment opportunities and the potential for a $400 million automotive trading hub.
KARACHI: Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman Zubair Motiwala has advocated the regulated commercial import of used vehicles, saying it would give Pakistani consumers access to better-quality cars at affordable prices, generate government revenue and introduce competition into the domestic automobile market.
Speaking during a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Motiwala said used-car imports could also help conserve foreign exchange and support thousands of people employed in dealerships and related businesses.
He cautioned that the automobile manufacturing lobby was influential and well-resourced, urging car dealers to present strong, evidence-based arguments for a more competitive market. He added that used vehicles served consumers who could not afford expensive new cars and would not necessarily undermine local manufacturing.
Earlier, Chairman of the All Pakistan Car Dealers and Importers Association (APCDIA) Mian Shoaib Ahmed called for an end to policies favouring a handful of local automobile assemblers. He argued that prolonged protection had failed to deliver the desired improvements in vehicle quality, localisation and export performance.
Leading an APCDIA delegation to KCCI, Ahmed welcomed progress towards commercial used-vehicle imports but highlighted delays in implementing the notified policy. He said the association was moving towards importing vehicles in its own business name through formal banking channels, subject to applicable inspection and regulatory requirements.
Ahmed also highlighted the proposed Pakistan Car and Machinery Zones project, which aims to import used vehicles and machinery for refurbishment, value addition and re-export. Drawing comparisons with Dubai’s transit-trade model, he said Karachi could develop into a regional automotive and machinery trading hub, attracting an estimated $400 million in foreign direct investment.
KCCI President Talat Mahmood reaffirmed the chamber’s support for the association, promising to raise its concerns with the relevant authorities and inviting recommendations to be presented to the chamber’s Executive Committee.
The business leaders stressed that transparent regulations and fair competition could expand consumer choice, encourage investment and create opportunities for local auto-parts manufacturers and supporting industries.