PAMA seeks standards body reconstitution

The Ministry of Science and Technology’s National Standards Committee (NSC) completely ignored recommendations from the local industry regarding the adoption of a Pakistani based standard for the production of helmets, with the local industry now demanding reconstitution of the committee.

It emerged that the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) had suggested, to the ministry and the Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), adopting local standards for helmets rather than following international standards, to facilitate indigenous sectoral development.

The ministry and PSQCA, however, completely ignored the decision taken in the meeting regarding “Implementation of WP29: Auto Safety Standards” that asked to ensure the participation of a PAMA member in the NSC meeting and the proposal to reconstitute the NSC and Technical Committee.

Instead, they set the standards based on international protocols for helmet production, completely ignoring the recommendations made by the local industry, and had them approved by the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Cases (CCLC) earlier this month.

“This is in contrast to Pakistan’s neighbouring countries which support their local industries by making their own standards according to local requirements and industry potential,” said an auto industry expert.

The move disappointed the local industry as it will deprive local manufacturers of a big opportunity to strengthen the industry and increase its potential for exports. Adoption of the international standards will also lead to more imports at a time when the country is on the brink of bankruptcy.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2023.

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