Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production gathered at Parliament House under the leadership of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla to scrutinize vital national industrial issues. The focus was on the future of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the forthcoming Automotive & Auto Parts Manufacturing Policy for 2026-31.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee addressed governance issues related to the Export Processing Zones Authority, particularly the absence of a permanent chairman. In response to procedural delays, the committee decided to propose recommendations to the Federal Cabinet to amend rules for leadership appointments. Additionally, discussions highlighted the government’s commitments under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility framework, which includes phasing out incentives and prohibiting sales from EPZs to the domestic tariff area. Senator Mandviwalla urged collaboration between private sector stakeholders and the Ministry of Industries and Production to create unified proposals before the upcoming IMF review meetings.

The draft Auto Policy 2026-31 was also reviewed, focusing on the promotion of New Energy Vehicles, increasing domestic value addition, and enhancing local manufacturing and exports. Industry representatives pointed out operational challenges such as tariff structures and high duty burdens on raw materials. The committee instructed automotive stakeholders to formally submit their concerns and announced a joint meeting with officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industries and Production next week to work towards a comprehensive solution.

The meeting saw participation from Senators Syed Masroor Ahsan, Khalida Ateeb, Husna Bano, and other officials, including the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, along with senior officials and relevant stakeholders.