Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production rejected the allegations levelled by Senator Faisal Vawda during the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee, presenting documentary evidence to clarify the position of the Ministry.
Haroon Akhtar Khan and the Secretary Industries and Production maintained that all decisions and actions taken by the Ministry were carried out strictly in accordance with the Rules of Business and after consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
They stated that every decision of the Ministry was taken after approval from the Federal Cabinet and followed the required legal and institutional procedures.
Haroon Akhtar Khan informed the committee that after Pakistan signed the United Nations WP.29 agreement in 2020, the responsibility for developing vehicle safety standards and related regulations was assigned to the Ministry of Industries and Production.
He further stated that the Motor Vehicle Development Bill has already been presented in the National Assembly and was also approved by the relevant National Assembly Standing Committee. After the passage of the bill, implementation authority regarding vehicle safety regulations will be transferred to the Engineering Development Board (EDB).
The SAPM added that the Ministry of Commerce, in September 2025, directed the Engineering Development Board to ensure quality standards and safety measures for imported new and used vehicles.
He highlighted that in the past, vehicle import schemes including Transfer of Residence, Gift Scheme and Personal Baggage Scheme were widely misused, causing concerns regarding compliance and transparency. To prevent such misuse, new conditions were introduced, and vehicle imports under Gift Scheme and Transfer of Residence Scheme are now allowed only under specified requirements.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that ensuring vehicle quality and safety standards will contribute to reducing road accidents and help save thousands of lives annually, as road accidents in Pakistan result in approximately 25,000 deaths every year.
During the Senate Standing Committee meeting, the allegations made by Faisal Vawda were rejected with documentary evidence, while itU was highlighted that Faisal Vawda could not present any supporting documentary evidence in favour of his false allegations.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency, adherence to rules and regulations, and implementation of policies in consultation with all stakeholders.
