ISLAMABAD, Feb 21: The government has decided to constitute a committee to work out measures for reducing the unabated smuggling of old and used auto parts resulting in revenue loss to the national kitty.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting headed by Federal Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives, Jahangir Khan Tareen here on Monday. An official announcement said that the committee would comprise members from all stakeholders and headed by member customs.

The committee would give detailed recommendations soon in order to cope with the menace of smuggling of old and used auto parts through predominantly fiscal measures. The representatives of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories manufacturers asked the minister to keep ban on import of used and old auto parts to protect the local industry.

They suggested that administrative measures could be taken by the CBR to address the smuggling of used auto parts. On the other hand, the old and used auto parts association informed the meeting that the ban should be removed as it would not only generate more revenue but also have a positive affect on exports.

They further maintained that the removal of ban would also help in developing the local auto parts industry on the sound footing in the long run, added the announcement.