Import-centric auto policy under fire
Pakistan's newly announced auto policy has drawn strong criticism from the domestic automotive parts industry, which warns that its import-centric approach could undermine local manufacturing, threaten 300,000 direct jobs and increase pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Former President of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) Aamir Allawala said the policy favoured imports of completely built-up electric vehicles and completely knocked-down kits over domestic manufacturing, putting nearly 1,200 engineering and component manufacturing enterprises at risk.