The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production has underlined the need for prompt delivery of cars to customers by assemblers, said spokesperson for the committee on Thursday.
The committee met with its Chairman Senator Akram Wali Mohammed in the chair, and discussed the issue of streamlining the system with a view to making the process of car delivery transparent and ensure prompt delivery of cars to customers by Pakistani assemblers, while Utility Stores' working also came under discussion.
It was informed that the government took a number of steps to create a competitive environment to achieve the twin objectives of price reduction and better quality of locally manufactured cars.
The steps taken by the government included allowing only one booking per NTN and enlarging the dealers' base to break the monopolistic situation.
Moreover, it has been made mandatory on rent a car companies not to accept the cars for rental business that are purchased through leasing till the full amount of the leased vehicle is paid.
This step, the committee was informed, was taken to facilitate in reducing the gap between demand and supply.
It was also informed during the meeting that Pakistan's automobile industry is a fast developing economy, and the industry experienced rapid expansion during the last two years.
The production volume of locally manufactured cars rose to 99,000 units in the current year as compared to 63,000 during the last financial year.
It was told that despite the increase in production, the manufacturers are unable to meet the growing market demand with the result that delivery period of cars increased manifold.
During the discussion on Utility Stores' functioning the managing director of the USC gave a briefing on the Corporation's working.
The committee observed that the USC should ensure supply of quality goods to the people at reasonable rates with a view to providing relief to the common man.
It appreciated the performance of the USC, and suggested that more such stores should be opened, preferably in rural areas.
The committee was informed that 344 Utility Stores were operating in the country and these stores were playing their role as a price moderator.
It was informed that the USC reduced the price of a number of essential items during Ramazan leaving example for the private trade to follow suit and also to ensure that the prices in the open market remained under control.
It was further informed to the committee that mobile stores have been set up to ensure availability of essential items at the places.
Minister of State Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli, Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas, Mir Wali Mohammed Badini, Tanveer Khalid, and Ilyas Ahmed Bilour attended the meeting.
Senator Ahmed Ali attended the meeting on special invitation. Mutawakkal Qazi, Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production, MD USC, senior officers of the Ministry of Industries and Production and Central Board of Revenue were also present.