The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has called for an independent review of the tariff data and calculations used in Pakistan’s National Tariff Policy (NTP), warning that inaccurate figures could affect domestic manufacturing, investment and employment.
In a letter to Haroon Akhtar Khan, the prime minister’s adviser on industries and production, PAMA Director General Razi ur Rahman requested that the matter be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for guidance.
PAMA has proposed an independent technical assessment of the simple and trade-weighted average tariff calculations used in the policy. The review would examine the underlying data, methodology and consistency of the figures with relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) statistics.
The association has also called for a transparent, like-for-like comparison using consistent reference periods, tariff coverage, weighting methods and clearly defined assumptions. It has urged the government to delay further tariff adjustments that substantially rely on the disputed figures until the review is completed.
Rahman said PAMA supported the government’s objectives of rationalising tariffs, improving export competitiveness and building a more efficient economy. However, he stressed that the success of these reforms depended on accurate and comparable data.
According to PAMA, differences in tariff coverage, reference periods, import weights, exemptions, preferential rates and the treatment of specific duties can significantly affect reported tariff averages. Without reconciling these factors, comparisons with WTO figures could present a misleading picture of Pakistan’s tariff structure.
The association warned that tariff decisions based on inaccurate assessments could undermine local manufacturing, discourage investment, weaken domestic supply chains and affect employment and export potential.
PAMA said the issue was particularly important for the automotive sector, which relies on a domestic vendor network and long-term investment in localisation. It added that predictable policies and reliable data were essential for manufacturers planning future production and investment.
The proposed independent review, according to PAMA, would help establish the reliability of the figures used in the National Tariff Policy and provide a stronger evidence base for future tariff decisions.