The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) has objected to the Engineering Development Board’s (EDB) September 30, 2026 notification, which allows any business entity to commercially import used vehicles without an EDB licence.
The association, which represents more than 1,200 Tier-I and Tier-II manufacturers, said the decision puts 300,000 direct and 1.5 million indirect jobs at risk. PAAPAM Chairman Abdul Rehman Aizaz said the move would damage the local automotive industry and industrial growth.
The association said the notification removes regulatory safeguards, including mandatory after-sales service and spare parts availability. It said this could compromise consumer safety and weaken local manufacturing.
PAAPAM also raised concerns over proposed tariff policy changes, saying they could undermine localisation and expose domestic manufacturers to unfair competition.
The association has urged Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and the federal government to reconsider the notification. It also asked the government to honour earlier commitments to protect local manufacturers, employment and economic stability. A copy of the letter has been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
