Haroon rejects allegations over vehicle safety regulatory framework, presents evidence before Senate panel

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jun, 2026) Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Tuesday rejected allegations regarding the regulatory framework governing vehicle safety standards, presenting documentary evidence before the Senate Standing Committee to substantiate the ministry’s position.

Addressing the committee, Haroon Akhtar Khan and Secretary Industries and Production said all decisions taken by the ministry had been made strictly in accordance with the Rules of business and after consultation with all relevant stakeholders, according to a news release.

They maintained that every decision of the Ministry of Industries and Production was taken following approval from the Federal cabinet and in compliance with all legal and institutional requirements.

Haroon informed the committee that after Pakistan signed the United Nations WP.29 agreement in 2020, responsibility for developing vehicle safety standards and related regulations was assigned to the Ministry of Industries and Production.

He said the Motor Vehicle Development Bill had already been presented in the National Assembly and approved by the relevant standing committee. Following its enactment, the authority for implementing vehicle safety regulations would be transferred to the Engineering Development board (EDB).

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The SAPM further informed the committee that the Ministry of Commerce, in September 2025, directed the EDB to ensure quality standards and safety measures for imported new and used vehicles.

Highlighting past concerns, he said vehicle import schemes, including the Transfer of Residence, Gift and Personal Baggage schemes, had been widely misused, raising issues of compliance and transparency.

To curb such misuse, he said, new conditions had been introduced and vehicle imports under the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes were now permitted only under specified requirements.

Haroon emphasized that enforcing vehicle quality and safety standards would help reduce road accidents and save thousands of lives annually, noting that road crashes in Pakistan claim around 25,000 lives each year.

During the meeting, allegations raised by Senator Faisal Vawda were rejected with documentary evidence presented by the ministry, while it was noted that no supporting evidence was provided to substantiate the claims.

The Ministry of Industries and Production reiterated its commitment to transparency, adherence to rules and regulations, and formulation and implementation of policies in consultation with all stakeholders.