Islamabad: A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production was convened today under the leadership of Syed Hafeezuddin, MNA, to address several pressing issues. The Committee took serious notice of the double duty imposed on electric vehicle (EV) chargers, expressing concern about its potential impact on the country’s green energy initiatives. Members of the Committee noted that such taxation contradicts efforts to promote green energy, hinders investment in sustainable transport, and places an unnecessary financial burden on consumers and industry stakeholders. To address the issue, the Committee directed officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, and the Federal Board of Revenue to review the duty structure in alignment with national EV promotion policies.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the Committee also scrutinized the administrative decision involving the appointment of Ch. Akram, Director PSM, to a key position at Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi, despite an active FIR and ongoing inquiry against him. The Standing Committee instructed the Ministry to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and submit a report within 15 days. Additionally, the Committee expressed concern over severe load-shedding in Karachi, which is impacting local industries, and has summoned the CEO of K-Electric to address these issues in the next meeting.

Furthermore, the Committee noted with concern the continual absence of the Advisor and the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production from meetings. It emphasized that such absences undermine parliamentary oversight and demanded their attendance at the next meeting, warning that non-compliance could lead to a privilege motion. The meeting saw participation from several Members of the National Assembly and senior officials of the ministry and its departments.