FOR the first time, it seems the Government is quite serious about addressing the problems of the auto sector that agitate the minds of every Pakistani.
In an interview, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin highlighted such issues, expressing commitment of the Government to resolve them in a comprehensive and satisfactory manner.
He was confident that the new auto policy would help correct the free-for-all attitude of the car manufacturing companies.
It is a reality that some car companies have taken Pakistan for granted as they are in the habit of raising prices of the vehicles every now and then and that too without fulfilling their commitments in respect of deletion programme and basic facilities and the quality of the product.
It is a matter of satisfaction that the decision-makers have started realizing the issue as the Minister himself pointed out that most car manufacturers just assembled cars, adding that three such companies had formed a cartel, manipulating the entire market.
In this backdrop, the decision of the government to introduce seven new car makers soon in the country to increase competition among manufacturers was a welcome development.
Similarly, penalties would be imposed on the automakers that fail to deliver automobiles in a timely manner.
The decision of the Finance Minister to lower duties on small cars (in the budget) was also appreciated by the people but regrettably the prices have not been reduced proportionately and instead some car-makers have jacked up prices further.
This issue needs to be taken seriously as the relief given at the expense of national exchequer has been pocketed by unscrupulous elements.
