Double duty on EV chargers sparks National Assembly anger

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production strongly objected to double duty being charged on electric vehicle chargers, stating the tax hurts Pakistan’s plan to promote clean energy and the electric vehicle industry.

The committee directed the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce and Federal Board of Revenue to appear at its next meeting to review the duty structure.

Members said charging extra duty on equipment needed for electric vehicles goes against the government’s green energy plans and the Prime Minister’s vision for expanding the electric vehicle industry.

The committee said the additional financial burden could discourage investment in electric transport and increase costs for consumers and businesses.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the committee chaired by Syed Hafeezuddin at Parliament House.

The committee also took serious notice of the posting of a Pakistan Steel Mills officer to important positions despite an active FIR and an ongoing inquiry against him.

Members questioned how an officer facing such proceedings could be given a key role at Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi.

The committee directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to conduct a complete inquiry into the posting and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee also expressed serious concern over severe load shedding in Karachi, stating the power shortages are badly affecting industries in the city.

The Chief Executive Officer of K Electric has been called to the committee’s next meeting to explain the situation and provide a plan for ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to industrial areas.

Members stressed that industries cannot operate properly when power supplies are repeatedly interrupted. The committee also expressed strong displeasure over the repeated absence of the Advisor and Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production from its meetings.

Members said their continued absence weakens parliamentary oversight of important economic and industrial matters.

The committee directed both officials to attend the next meeting and warned that failure to comply could lead to initiating a privilege motion.