The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production has expressed serious concerns over the double duty imposed on electric vehicle (EV) chargers, saying the measure could undermine Pakistan’s efforts to promote green energy and expand the electric vehicle industry.
The committee meeting was held in Islamabad on September 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of Syed Hafeezuddin, MNA. Members discussed several issues related to industries, energy infrastructure, and administrative matters.
The committee members noted that imposing additional duties on EV charging infrastructure contradicts national policies aimed at promoting clean energy and encouraging investment in the EV sector. They warned that the duties could increase costs for consumers and industry stakeholders while discouraging investment in sustainable transportation.
To address the matter, the committee directed officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to attend its next meeting and review the existing duty structure for EV chargers.
The committee also expressed serious concern over ongoing load-shedding in Karachi, particularly its impact on industrial activities.
Members said prolonged power outages are creating difficulties for local industries and directed the Chief Executive Officer of K-Electric to appear before the committee at its next meeting.
The K-Electric CEO will be required to brief lawmakers on the causes of industrial power outages and explain measures being taken to ensure a more reliable electricity supply to Karachi’s industrial sector.
The committee also took notice of the appointment of Ch. Akram, Director of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), to key positions despite an active FIR and an ongoing inquiry.
Expressing concern over the posting, the committee directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and submit its findings within 15 days.
The committee said the appointment to a crucial position required proper scrutiny given the pending legal and investigative proceedings.
The Standing Committee also expressed displeasure over the repeated absence of the Advisor and Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production from its meetings.
Members said their continued non-attendance undermines parliamentary oversight of important economic and industrial matters. The committee directed both officials to ensure their presence at the next meeting.
It warned that failure to comply could lead to the initiation of a privilege motion.
The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Shahid Usman, Sajid Mehdi, Kiran Imran Dar, Romina Khurshid Alam, Mahesh Kumar Malani, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Naz Baloch, and Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, along with the Special Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production and other senior officials.
