KARACHI: Chairman of the All Pakistan Car Dealers & Importers Association (APCDIA) Mian Shoaib Ahmed has called for an end to discriminatory policies favouring a limited number of automobile assemblers, arguing that regulated commercial imports of used vehicles would promote fair competition, expand consumer choice, create new business opportunities and push local manufacturers to improve vehicle quality, safety standards and competitiveness.
Leading an APCDIA delegation during a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Mian Shoaib Ahmed said prolonged protection for local assemblers had failed to deliver the desired improvements in vehicle quality, localisation and export performance.
He called for a transparent and competitive automotive market in which manufacturers would be encouraged to improve product quality and operational efficiency instead of relying on restrictive policies.
Welcoming progress towards the commercial import of used vehicles, Mian Shoaib Ahmed appreciated KCCI’s support and its correspondence with the Prime Minister and relevant government officials on the issue.
He said that although the notification had already been issued, implementation had faced delays. However, the association was now moving towards commercially importing vehicles in its own business name through formal banking channels and in compliance with applicable inspection, quality and regulatory requirements.
According to him, the move would introduce greater competition into the market while providing consumers with more choices.
Pakistan Could Become Regional Automotive Trading Hub
Highlighting a broader opportunity to position Pakistan as a regional hub for automotive and machinery trade, Mian Shoaib Ahmed referred to the proposed Pakistan Car and Machinery Zones project.
The project aims to bring used vehicles and machinery into Pakistan for refurbishment, value addition and subsequent re-export to international markets.
Drawing comparisons with Dubai’s established transit-trade model, he said Pakistan could leverage its strategic location, skilled workforce and comparatively competitive labour costs to develop a similar export-oriented ecosystem in Karachi.
He added that the proposed project could also generate business for local auto-parts manufacturers, vendors and other supporting industries.
Mian Shoaib Ahmed expressed optimism that the project was approaching its final stages, with an ambition to attract approximately $400 million in foreign direct investment (FDI).
Zubair Motiwala Backs Regulated Used-Car Imports
Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, who joined the meeting via Zoom, strongly advocated the regulated import of used vehicles.
He said the policy would provide Pakistani consumers with access to better-quality cars at affordable prices, generate additional government revenue, conserve foreign exchange and introduce much-needed competition into the domestic automobile market.
Motiwala cautioned that the automobile manufacturing lobby was influential and well-resourced, making it essential for car dealers to present strong, evidence-based arguments.
He stressed that consumers deserved better-quality vehicles and pointed to concerns regarding the durability, performance and standards of certain locally assembled cars.
The BMG chairman said the used-car market served a distinct segment of consumers who could not afford expensive new vehicles and should not be deprived of affordable alternatives.
He maintained that used-vehicle imports would not necessarily undermine local automobile manufacturing because the two markets serve different consumer segments.
He also highlighted the employment of thousands of people associated with car dealerships and related businesses, urging the government to consider the broader economic benefits of the policy, including foreign-exchange savings and increased revenue generation.
Motiwala assured the delegation that KCCI would continue to raise the association’s legitimate concerns with the relevant authorities.
KCCI Reaffirms Support
Speaking on the occasion, KCCI President Talat Mahmood reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting the All Pakistan Car Dealers & Importers Association in addressing its concerns over the commercial import of used vehicles.
He emphasised the importance of continued engagement with the government to ensure effective implementation of the notified policy and facilitate legitimate business activities.
Talat Mahmood also invited the delegation to share its recommendations with KCCI’s Executive Committee so that the Chamber could better understand the sector’s concerns and extend appropriate support.
He stressed the importance of keeping the business community informed about initiatives capable of creating new investment opportunities and strengthening commercial activity.
Reaffirming KCCI’s supportive approach, he assured the delegation that the Chamber would remain engaged with the association in pursuing its legitimate business concerns.