PAAPAM concerned over IMF’s recent push for trade liberalisation

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) has expressed strong concerns over the IMF’s recent push for trade liberalisation, particularly proposals to reduce tariff protections and allow commercial imports of used vehicles. While supporting Pakistan’s goals of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, PAAPAM cautioned that these measures could undermine the domestic auto industry, threaten jobs, and erode investor confidence. “Trade liberalisation must not come at the cost of deindustrialisation and fiscal leakage,” said Usman Aslam Malik, Chairman PAAPAM. The association warned that large-scale imports of used vehicles—often failing modern safety and emissions standards — could derail Pakistan’s efforts to localize new energy vehicle (NEV) production. PAAPAM called for clarity on how such imports align with national sustainability and industrial goals.