The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Industries and Production has directed the authorities to make sure that cars are available in the market on ‘controlled prices’. The committee which met under the chairmanship of Ghulam Mustafa Shah discussed the availability of automobiles in the market on reduced prices. Members of the committee stressed the need for breaking down the monopoly of the automobile manufacturing companies. The sale of cars on “premium” instead of controlled prices should be prevented at all costs, they asserted.

“Controlled prices have been set up for vehicles since dollar lost its value in the last streak. As soon as the rupee gained in value it was important that car makers reduce the prices of cars. But since the manufacturers were in cahoots with the middlemen the availability of cars at reduced prices did not materialize,” the committee noted. The meeting also decided to take up the matter of privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills at the next meeting of the Privatization Commission.

The unforeseen shortage of urea in the country also invited concern from the committee members. Since there are floods in the country and the demand for urea is not at par with regular demand, the absence of urea from the markets is not a good sign, the committee observed, adding that hoarders might be picking on the chance to clear the market so that they can sell urea later at high prices.

Earlier, Federal Minister and Secretary for Industries and Production briefly apprised the committee about the efforts made by them to provide subsidy to farmers on harvesting equipment and to control the prices of vehicles in Pakistan. The committee was informed that the prime minister will announce a special subsidy package for farmers soon which will help the growers to increase per acre yield and will also help to improve the economy of the country as well.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPak