If indiscriminate import of used cars is not stopped, Pakistan will soon become a junkyard for such cars
KARACHI: Considering that the import of brand new foreign cars is allowed, it, therefore, presents ample competition to local players. Currently, the auto industry contributes nearly Rs90 billion to the national exchequer and provides employment to nearly two million people. It only makes sense for the government to put into place certain measures that could help curtail the import of used cars in the country, especially since the import of each used car inflicts a loss of around Rs400,000 on the national exchequer with a cumulative loss of up to Rs100 billion in just the past 10 years.
I strongly suggest that the government look into this matter and take the necessary steps to help the country’s automobile sector. This would alleviate the suffering of local auto manufacturers and benefit the national economy. If indiscriminate import of used cars is not stopped, Pakistan will soon become a junkyard for such cars since they are often accident-damaged and poorly reconditioned.
Shahmeer Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, August 11th, 2015.
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