I WAS appalled to see an ‘appeal’ by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), requesting the prime minister and the finance minister not to restraint non-filers from purchasing new vehicles.

They say this will allow filers to purchase and sell vehicles on a premium to the non-filers.

It appears that PAMA is bothered about premium (on money) on their cars. They have flourished through the years on this ‘on money’ business.

A majority of PAMA members, who are in production, are all Japanese. It is shameful that Japanese companies will now dictate Pakistan’s tax policies, encouraging the government to maintain huge black money economy.

The announcement made by the government in respect of non-filers is a bold decision.

If someone who is a non-filer wants to buy a new car from PAMA members, he should get an NTN and file taxes.

Moreover, PAMA should not be called ‘manufacturers’ as they are simply assemblers.

Adnan Mahmud
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2018