NA body talks airbags, ABS for cars, supply of sugar to utility stores

STAFF REPORT

National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Industries and Production suggested on Tuesday that internationally accepted minimum safety features like airbags and antilock breaking system (ABS) must be made a mandatory feature by all automobile manufacturers.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of MNA Asad Umar in the Parliament House to discuss airbags and antilock breaking system (ABS) in Automobiles in Pakistan. The meeting also discussed stoppage of the supply of sugar to utility store franchises and implementation status on the recommendations of the standing committee.

Regarding the stoppage of the supply of sugar to utility stores, the committee suggested to the government not to give subsidy on sugar until smooth supply of sugar to utility stores was ensured. The committee further directed Ministry of Industry and Production (MoIP) to present a plan for timely purchase and supply of sugar to utility stores within the framework of rules and regulations.

The committee showed grave concern over the shutdown of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and demanded to revamp it to make it viable; the committee suggested to call the Privatization Commission chairman in the next meeting and also asked the MoIP to ensure release of salaries to the employees of Pakistan Steel Mills.

Members who attended the meeting were MNA Isphanyar M. Bhandara, MNA Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, MNA Mian Abdul Mannan, MNA Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, MNA Pir Noor Muhammad Shah Jeelani, MNA Sajida Begum, MNA and Minister for Industries and Production Iftikhar-ud-Din.