Senate Committee reviews Solar Policy, EV Initiatives and Industry Challenges

ISLAMABAD, Jan 02 (EPI): The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production, chaired by Senator Aon Abbas, was convened today at the Parliament House.

During a comprehensive briefing on the Solar Policy by the Engineering Development Board, Senator Aon Abbas raised critical questions, including: Who is controlling the prices of solar panels? and Who is disrupting the balance of demand and supply? He further remarked that individuals are installing solar panels at their discretion without proper regulation.

He also inquired whether there were any hindrances from the government or undue pressure from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The Ministry clarified the position that government is willing to promote solarization in the country.

While discussing the Electric Vehicle Policy, Senator Aon Abbas proposed the installation of electric chargers at every station to promote eco-friendly practices. The Director of the Engineering Development Board assured the committee that these chargers would be accessible to everyone.

Senator Aon Abbas acknowledged the significant progress in mobile phone manufacturing, highlighting that 93% of mobile phones are now produced locally. He commended the localization efforts, which have created 40,000 jobs in mobile sector.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineering Development Board emphasized that their primary focus remains on localization, with exports being a secondary priority.

However, he expressed concern about competing with China, a global leader in the sector, noting that local production is currently 8% more expensive than China’s. He further pointed out that the previous policy had provisions for R&D funding, but these funds were never disbursed, resulting in limited industrial growth and innovation.

In his concluding remarks, Senator Aon Abbas emphasized that the issue of taxes on solar panels manufacturing in the country would be raised in the Senate House, expressing confidence that the government would eliminate taxes on local sola panel manufacturing and impose duties on import of solar panels to support the local industry.

Additionally, he announced the formation of a subcommittee to examine polices made by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) under the Convernership of Senator Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee other members include Senators Saleem Mandviwalla and Danesh Kumar.

Addressing the sugar policy, Senator Aon Abbas stated that it would be thoroughly reviewed in the next meeting to determine whether it falls under the committee’s jurisdiction.

He expressed concern over sugarcane farmers in Pakistan not receiving timely payments, noting that while a 7-day cutoff period had been established, payment have been withheld for over a month and a half. He directed the submission of detailed information regarding the sugar mills, including the names of their owners.

In attendance were Senators Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Saleem Mandviwalla, Danesh Kumar, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, and senior officials from the Engineering Development Board (EDB).

Ends-Exact Press International-