BUDGET 2026-27: Auto sector row rocks Senate body

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Tuesday witnessed heated exchanges over alleged irregularities in the automobile sector, while recommending relief for exporters, tariff reforms and a review of electricity fixed charges.

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Saleem Mandviwalla, continued its clause-by-clause review of the Finance Bill 2026.

Responding to Senator Faisal Vawda’s allegations, Special Assistant to PM on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan appeared before the committee with Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Magsi.

Mr Akhtar said members had the right to question the ministry but criticised “one-sided allegations”. Mr Vawda said his claims were based on official documents and he would apologise if proven wrong. He later shifted his claim, stating delays in commercial import of used vehicles caused a Rs125bn loss to the exchequer over eight months.

Panel seeks zero tax on stationery for educational purposes

Panel seeks zero tax on stationery for educational purposes

The special assistant noted Mr Vawda had moved from “corruption” to “revenue loss”. Minister Khalid Magsi assured the committee of an investigation. The committee recommended withdrawal of the Engineering Development Board notification on quality compliance for used vehicle imports. The committee proposed abolishing........

© Dawn Business