ISSUES NOTICE TO MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES & PRODUCTION FOR A DETAILED REPORT.

Taking notice of the media reports and a large number of complaints received from Karachi and other cities against the unilateral increase in prices of automobiles by the manufacturers and assemblers, the Federal Ombudsman has called for a detailed report from the Ministry of Industries and Production.  It was noticed that the increase in the prices of vehicles unilaterally by the manufacturers, without any oversight mechanism amounts to maladministration.  He has also asked the Ministry to ascertain the fact that auto manufacturers were charging over and above the prices at the time of delivery of vehicles to the detriment of the interest of the customers who had initially deposited due price.  It is clear that it was an important responsibility of the Ministry of Industries and Production to regulate and monitor the prices.  It was further revealed that the Engineering Development Board (EDB) when asked about this matter stated that the EDB does not have any mechanism to monitor or regulate the prices of vehicles.  Accordingly, the Federal Ombudsman has in public interest asked for a comprehensive report on the matter within fortnight from the Ministry of Industries and Production and the EDB.