Pakistani car dealers dash hopes of major price cuts after duty removal, citing currency devaluation 

This photograph taken on December 20, 2013, shows Pakistani customers checking a hybrid car displayed at a showroom in Islamabad. (AFP/File)
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Updated 19 May 2023
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Pakistani car dealers dash hopes of major price cuts after duty removal, citing currency devaluation 

  • Pakistani commerce minister last week warned dealers of strict action if prices of used, imported cars were not reduced 
  • Car dealers term the commerce minister’s warning a ‘political statement,’ say new shipments will determine the prices 

KARACHI: Pakistani car dealers appeared divided on Thursday over a reduction in car prices after the expiry of 100 percent regulatory duty (RD) on the import of vehicles, with some citing depreciation of the local currency against dollar as a “major obstacle” in its way. 

Pakistan allowed import of used cars not older than 3 years, and in some cases up to five years older, under the transfer of residence, gift and baggage schemes. The vehicles, mostly imported from Japan, were sold in the local market after payment of duty and taxes. 

However, the Pakistani government had in May last year imposed a ban on the import of over 600 luxury and non-essential goods, including cars, cellular phones and home appliances, for 10 months to stop the outflow of dollars. The notification imposing regulatory duties and additional customs duties (ACDs) expired on March 31. 

Its expiry rekindled hopes among buyers of a major relief in prices of imported cars of up to 1,800cc and last week, Commerce Minister Naveed Qamar also warned car dealers of strict action if the prices of imported vehicles were not reduced after the removal of the regulatory duty. 

But Pakistani car dealers hold different views regarding the price reduction, with a number of them calling the dollar-rupee parity a hurdle to cuts in prices of imported vehicles. 

“Prior to the regulatory duty, there were around 300-400 percent duties being charged and the vehicle that would cost Rs1 million had gone up to Rs2 million which led to a business halt,” Mian Shoaib Ahmed, chairman of All Pakistan Car Dealers and Importers Association, told Arab News. 

“When the RD was imposed, the dollar rate was Rs170 and now as they have removed the RD, dollar rate is Rs285 so ultimately there seems no price difference as the [cost] price has increased,” he said, terming last week’s warning by the commerce minister a “political statement.” 

The Pakistani currency has depreciated by almost 30 percent since May 2022, when the government had banned imports of luxury items. 

Ahmed said there was a shortage of cars due to the demand-supply gap in the market. The competition after the arrival of new shipments would determine fresh prices of imported vehicles, he added. 

“It is premature to say that there would be any impact on the prices of vehicles or they will be reduced,” Ahmed said. 

“In the next two months, when shipments will arrive that usually takes 6-8 weeks, the impact would be known provided the currency exchange remains at the current level. Otherwise, the prices will increase.” 

Hajji Muhammad Shahzad, chairman of All Pakistan Motor Dealers’ Association, also downplayed the possibility of price reduction due to the prevailing rupee-dollar parity. 

“For instance, eight months back the purchasing price of a vehicle was $5,000 that would translate into around Rs1 million but now it has gone up to Rs1.5 million, so where this half a million rupees of impact would go,” Shahzad asked. 

He conceded that prices of vehicles should reduce, but insisted that the rupee-dollar parity was the main hurdle in the way of major price cuts. 

“Prior to the imposition of RD, Mira (one of the most sought-after Japanese used cars in Pakistan) was available for Rs2.2 million, but after the imposition of RD the price jumped to Rs3.2 million,” Shahzad said. 

“The price should be reduced by Rs1 million but as the dollar rate has gone up, the price cut may be around Rs100,000 or Rs200,000 after arrival of new shipments.” 

Shahzad categorically ruled out any major price cuts in response to removal of RD. 

“Rs0.8 to Rs1 million price reduction that is in the minds of the people would not occur due to the currency depreciation,” he said. 

While car dealers dismiss the possibility of significant cuts after the removal of duties, some importers remain optimistic about a considerable reduction in prices. 

“Prices of below 1,000cc cars will be reduced by around Rs0.8 million, while those of above 1,000cc vehicles will be reduced by around Rs1.2 million,” Mehmud Baig, an importer and dealer, told Arab News. 

Baig said the price reduction would have been around Rs1 million for small cars and Rs2 million for bigger vehicles, had the local currency not depreciated significantly. 

Pakistan has been facing an economic meltdown, with its foreign exchange reserves depleting, currency weakening and inflation hovering at historic highs. 

Pakistani consumers said the weak price-fixing and enforcement mechanism had led to the creation of “cartels” in the country and they were openly challenging the state’s writ. 

“The government must discourage cartelization in the country and ensure that full benefit of the measures, taken to cut prices of vehicles as well as other commodities, are passed on to consumers,” said Mazhar Ali, a consumer and researcher.   


Pakistan approves Hajj Policy 2026, will receive applications from Aug. 4

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Pakistan approves Hajj Policy 2026, will receive applications from Aug. 4

  • Pakistan says quota for Hajj pilgrims is 179,210, out of which 129,210 quota has been reserved for government scheme
  • Religious affairs minister says estimated cost of government’s Hajj scheme will range from [$4,049.93 to $4,236]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced on Wednesday that the federal cabinet has approved the country’s Hajj Policy 2026, with Islamabad set to receive applications for the pilgrimage under the government scheme from Aug. 4.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference, Yousaf said currently the quota for Pakistani pilgrims is 179,210. However, he said a response from the Saudi government is awaited in this regard.

He said out of the total pilgrims’ quota, 129,210 seats have been allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators.

“Today, by the grace of Allah, the federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy 2026,” Yousaf said. “We will start to receive Hajj applications under the government scheme from the first week of August, from the fourth.”

Yousaf pointed out that under the government Hajj scheme, pilgrims can avail either a long Hajj package of 38–42 days or a short package that consists of a duration of 20–25 days.

He said Hajj applicants must be Muslim Pakistani passport holders, with a passport valid until Nov. 26, 2026.

“Children under 12 will not be allowed to perform Hajj this year,” the minister said.

He said as per the government scheme, Hajj applicants must submit their Hajj dues in two installments. Yousaf said the estimated cost of the government’s Hajj package will range from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 [$4,049.93 to $4,236], subject to final agreements with service providers.

He said the first installment payment will be accepted at designated banks across Pakistan from Aug. 4.

“Due to Saudi Arabia’s timelines, selection will be on a first-come, first-serve basis,” Yousaf clarified.

Receiving a Saudi-approved vaccine is mandatory for all intending pilgrims, the minister said, adding that Makkah Route Initiative facilities will continue to be provided to pilgrims at Pakistan’s Islamabad and Karachi airports.

Yousaf said a monitoring team from Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs will oversee the overall Hajj operations to maintain the quality of services.

Saudi Arabia had approved a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan this year as well. A large portion of the private Hajj quota for 2025 remained unutilized due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its full allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims.

Private operators attributed the shortfall to technical issues, including payment processing problems and communication breakdowns.


Pakistan vows to intensify Gaza ceasefire call at upcoming UNGA session

Updated 30 July 2025
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Pakistan vows to intensify Gaza ceasefire call at upcoming UNGA session

  • The 80th session of the UN General Assembly will be held in September in New York
  • Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan will send two aid consignments to Gaza via Egypt, Jordan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan would join other countries in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, criticizing Israel for its military operations in the Middle East.

The 80th session of the UNGA will open on Tuesday, September 9, while the first day of the high-level General Debate will begin on Tuesday, September 23.

All eyes will be on the upcoming UNGA as French President Emmanuel Macron announced last week he would formally recognize Palestinian statehood during the summit, provoking strong opposition from Israel and the United States.

“And at the upcoming [United Nations General Assembly] session in September, we will strongly present Pakistan’s position and join voices with all those countries calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and subsequently, for securing the rights of the Palestinian state,” Sharif said in an address to members of the federal cabinet.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on July 30, 2025. (Handout/PMO)

“Pakistan’s voice will not only be aligned with those countries, but it will also be an energetic one.”

His statement comes amid renewed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel has killed over 57,000 Palestinians in the territory since October 7, 2023.

Several countries, including international rights organizations and charity institutes, have raised alarm at the outbreak of diseases and starvation in Gaza amid the worsening conditions there.

The Pakistani premier criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza, saying that such barbarity has “never been witnessed before.”

Sharif said he had issued directives to the chairman of Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to immediately dispatch two consignments of relief items for Gaza.

He said the relief items will be sent via Egypt and Jordan.

“God willing, preparations will be completed soon and these food aid consignments will take off at the earliest possible time,” he added.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar took part this week at a high-level UN summit co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia on the two-state solution in the Middle East.

Dar pushed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and called on other countries to recognize Palestine as an independent nation at the conference. He also demanded Palestine be recognized as a member of the UN.


German biathlete Dahlmeier dies after mountaineering accident

Updated 30 July 2025
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German biathlete Dahlmeier dies after mountaineering accident

  • Accident occurred around Monday afternoon at an altitude of 5,700 meters in Hushe Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan
  • A recovery operation to ewaxuw Dahlmeier was launched but ultimately called off on the evening of July 29

PESHAWAR: German double Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died after a mountaineering accident in Pakistan, her management and local authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The accident occurred around noon on Monday, at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters at Laila Peak, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said on Tuesday.

Dahlmeier was climbing with her mountaineering partner when she was struck by a sudden rockfall in the Hushe Valley, part of the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. Poor weather conditions prevented a rescue helicopter from reaching the site.

Two teams of expert climbers from Germany and the United States deployed to search her confirmed that she had died, regional government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said.

“Laura Dahlmeier died on 28 July in a mountain accident on Laila Peak (6,069 meters) in Pakistan’s Karakoram range,” her management said in a statement.

“A recovery operation was launched but ultimately called off on the evening of 29 July.”

Her representatives added that Dahlmeier most likely died instantly, while her mountaineering partner was unharmed.

“It was Laura Dahlmeier’s express and written will that in a case like this, no one should risk their life to recover her,” they said.

“It was her wish to leave her body behind on the mountain in this case. This is also in line with the wishes of her relatives.”

Faraq said the regional authorities would respect any decision by her family.

The provincial government spokesperson also identified the climbing partner as Marina Eva Krauss.

Krauss successfully descended to base camp and is reported to be in good health, he added.

The 31-year-old Dahlmeier retired from biathlon in 2019, aged 25, a year after becoming the first female biathlete to achieve a sprint and pursuit double at the same Olympics.

OLYMPIC TRIBUTE

“Laura made history at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics as the first female biathlete to win sprint and pursuit gold at the same Games edition. She will be remembered forever,” the President of the International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry said.

The German Olympic Sports Confederation expressed deep sorrow at the news.

“She was more than an Olympic champion — she was someone with heart, attitude and vision,” it said in a statement on X.

Dahlmeier, who was born in the Bavarian ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, was also honored by the premier of her home state, Markus Soeder, who said “she was ambitious and successful, yet always remained humble and close to her homeland.”

The International Biathlon Union also expressed its condolences.

“Laura’s energy and passion for life touched so many around the world. Her legacy, both within biathlon and beyond, will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire countless athletes and adventurers for generations to come,” it said.


Divorced daughters entitled to father’s pension, rules Pakistan’s top court

Updated 30 July 2025
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Divorced daughters entitled to father’s pension, rules Pakistan’s top court

  • Supreme Court says daughters deserve pension irrespective of whether their divorce occurred before or after father’s demise
  • Rights activists welcome the ruling, say will ensure women are not left destitute if widowed or divorced after father’s death

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top court on Wednesday ruled that divorced daughters are entitled to their father’s pension irrespective of whether their divorce occurred before or after his death, calling for a review of pension regulations that it said were built on patriarchal assumptions and negative stereotypes about women.

The 10-page verdict was authored by Justice Ayesha Malik, who upheld a Sindh High Court ruling in favor of a woman named Sorath Fatima, the daughter of a deceased employee of Sindh’s Road and Transport Department. After Fatima’s father passed away in 2002, her mother received his pension until she also died in 2012.

As an unmarried daughter, Fatima initially received the pension, which was ceased by the provincial government after she got married. However, following her divorce in August 2022, Fatima requested the resumption of the pension, which was rejected by the Sindh government. It issued a circular that stated that a daughter who got divorced after her father’s demise is not entitled to his pension. Fatima challenged the decision at the Larkana bench of the Sindh High Court, which ruled in her favor.

The Sindh government challenged the high court’s decision at the Supreme Court, which dismissed the appeal and said that a divorced daughter’s right to pension is not dependent on the timing of her divorce.

“We find that the [Sindh government’s] circular, which imposes restrictions unsupported by the Act or the Rules, is void ab initio, unconstitutional, and of no legal effect,” the judgment read.

It added that the timing of the pensioner’s death cannot lawfully be used to extinguish a surviving daughter’s right to claim the pension.

“Accordingly, this civil petition, having no force, is dismissed and leave refused,” the verdict read.

The judgment said it is deeply concerning, in the context of family pension, that the admissibility of pension to a surviving daughter continues to depend entirely on her marital status.

The judgment added that this dependency model revealed that there was a systematic bias that treats a daughter as a dependent, with her financial dependency shifting from parent to spouse.

“This assumption not only perpetuates the stereotypical mindset about women being dependent members within the family structure but also fails to recognize women as individuals or autonomous individuals who may have the capacity to be financially independent,” the judgment read.

The verdict added that women have independent rights and are autonomous and should be entitled to family pension where financial needs are established.

The court said as a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan is required to abolish discriminatory laws and practices that impair women’s enjoyment of rights on an equal footing with men.

The Supreme Court noted that it was important to revisit the law surrounding pensions in Pakistan.

“The Rules should be reconsidered to remove marital status as a condition for entitlement,” it said. “What we require is a need-based and dignity-affirming framework,” the judgment added.

‘COMMENDABLE JUDGMENT’

Women’s rights activists welcomed the ruling as a progressive step toward dismantling patriarchal norms, saying it reinforces divorced women’s right to financial security and reflects a growing judicial sensitivity to gender equality.

“I appreciate the Supreme Court’s decision, as granting a divorced woman entitlement to her father’s pension can help her lead a dignified life and achieve financial stability,” Farzana Bari, a prominent rights activist and academic, told Arab News.

Another rights activist, Samar Minallah, said the ruling would make a significant difference in advancing the rights of women in Pakistan.

She added that the ruling reinforces the idea that a daughter remains an integral part of her family, similar to a son.

“The ruling recognizes the financial rights of women, ensuring they are not left destitute, once widowed or divorced after the father’s death,” Minallah noted.


Pakistan says India’s statement on alleged Kashmir attackers ‘replete with fabrications’

Updated 30 July 2025
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Pakistan says India’s statement on alleged Kashmir attackers ‘replete with fabrications’

  • Indian Home Minister Amit Shah this week said Delhi has killed three militants, allegedly Pakistanis, involved in Pahalgam attack
  • Pakistan’s foreign office says Islamabad remains a responsible state committed to peace, regional stability via “meaningful dialogue”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Wednesday rejected Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement claiming New Delhi had killed all three militants involved in the Pahalgam attack, whom he said were allegedly Pakistani nationals, as ” replete with fabrications.”

Shah told parliamentarians during a debate on Tuesday that three militants involved in the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam town had been killed in a joint operation by the military, paramilitary and police on the outskirts of Srinagar. Shah had also said that all three alleged attackers were Pakistani nationals.

Gunmen opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 in total. India blamed Islamabad for supporting the attack, which Pakistan denied. The attack started a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in which over 70 people were killed on both sides of the border.

“The account given by the Indian Home Minister is replete with fabrications, leading to serious questions about its credibility,” the Pakistani foreign office said.

“Is it a mere coincidence that the alleged perpetrators of the Pahalgam Attack were killed at the start of the Lok Sabha debate?“

The foreign office said India did not avail Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of a transparent inquiry into the Pahalgam attack, saying that it instead chose “the path of belligerence and aggression.”

The foreign office also rejected Delhi’s assertion that it had established a “new normal” in bilateral relations with Pakistan by carrying out strikes against alleged “terrorist” camps in the country in May.

“As we have already shown through our resolute actions in May 2025, we shall forcefully counter any future aggression,” the statement said.

“For us, the only ‘normal’ in bilateral relations is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.”

The foreign office concluded by saying that Pakistan remains a responsible state committed to peace and regional stability.

He said Islamabad wanted to pursue a “meaningful dialogue” for the resolution of all outstanding issues between the two nations, including that of the disputed Kashmir territory.

India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed neighbors, have gone to war thrice since 1947 after gaining independence from British colonial rule. Two out of these wars have been over the territory of Kashmir.

Both claim the territory in full but administer only parts of it. India accuses Pakistan of arming and funding Kashmir militants, which Islamabad denies and says New Delhi fuels militancy in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces.