The Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order an independent review of the data and calculations used in the National Tariff Policy, warning that errors could hurt local manufacturers, investment and jobs.
In a letter to Haroon Akhtar Khan, the prime minister’s adviser on industries and production, PAMA Director General Razi ur Rahman requested that the issue be brought to the prime minister for guidance.
The association wants experts to verify the simple and trade-weighted average tariff calculations used in the policy, examine the underlying data and methodology, and reconcile the figures with relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) statistics.
PAMA has also called for a transparent comparison based on consistent time periods, tariff coverage and weighting methods, with all assumptions clearly disclosed. It has urged the government to hold off on further tariff changes that depend significantly on the disputed figures until the review is completed.
Rahman said PAMA supported the government’s efforts to simplify tariffs, improve export competitiveness and build a more competitive economy. However, he stressed that these reforms must rely on accurate and comparable data.
He explained that average tariff rates can vary significantly depending on the datasets and calculation methods used. Differences in tariff coverage, reference periods, import weights, exemptions, preferential rates and the treatment of specific duties can all affect the final figures.
PAMA said Pakistan’s tariff indicators should be compared with WTO statistics using the same basis. Without matching the underlying data and methodology, headline figures could misrepresent the country’s actual tariff position.
The association warned that tariff changes based on an inaccurate assessment could damage domestic manufacturing, discourage investment, weaken local supply chains and reduce employment and export opportunities.
The issue is particularly important for the automotive industry, which relies on a broad network of local parts suppliers and requires long-term investment in manufacturing and localization. PAMA said predictable policies were essential for the sector’s development.
According to the association, an independent technical review would establish whether the figures underpinning the National Tariff Policy are reliable and internationally comparable. The findings could then provide a stronger basis for future tariff decisions.
PAMA said reviewing the data before making further changes would help protect the credibility of the policy and reduce the risk of unintended consequences for industry.
