Chairman of the National Tariff Commission (NTC) Naeem Anwar reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting local industries through the enforcement of antidumping duties, countervailing measures, and safeguard laws, during a meeting with industrialists at the SITE Association of Industry.
Speaking at the event, Mr Anwar emphasized that the NTC is actively regulating tariff structures and introducing facilitative measures, including the establishment of a preapplication counselling desk, to streamline the process for industries seeking trade remedy protections. He underlined that both consumer protection and industry support remain central to the NTC’s mandate.
The NTC Chairman explained that Pakistan’s trade remedies are aligned with World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements covering antidumping, subsidies and countervailing measures, and safeguards against sudden surges in imports. He said that duties can be imposed within four months after investigations and that penalties often extend up to five years, strengthening the competitiveness of local producers.
Highlighting the evolving global trade environment marked by rising protectionism, Mr Anwar stated that current trends such as the tariff war between the United States and China have made the role of institutions like the NTC even more critical for economies like Pakistan’s. So far, he informed, around 50 to 60 local products have been shielded under existing mechanisms.
SITE Association President Ahmed Azeem Alvi welcomed the NTC delegation, describing SITE as Pakistan’s oldest and largest industrial area with nearly US$2.8 billion in exports and an 18% contribution to national revenue. He called attention to the added burden of high utility costs, particularly higher electricity tariffs in Karachi, which hamper industrial growth.
Jawed Bilwani, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and former SITE Association head, acknowledged the NTC’s role but stressed the need for deeper institutional research. He suggested setting up a dedicated research cell within the NTC to proactively address issues arising from antidumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures. “We cannot survive unless we have strong, researchsupported information,” he remarked.
Riaz Uddin, Chairman of the SITE Taxation and Trade Policy Committee, highlighted systemic flaws in tariff implementation, warning that weak enforcement and political interference have undermined competitiveness. He proposed capping customs duties at 15-20% for finished goods (excluding luxury items), renegotiating free trade agreements, and aligning Pakistan’s tariffs with regional blocs like SAARC and ASEAN to foster a more balanced trade environment.
The meeting concluded with a consensus that while the NTC’s efforts are crucial, broader structural reforms, improved enforcement, and researchdriven policymaking will be key to safeguarding Pakistan’s industrial future.
Among those present were SITE Vice President Muhammad Riaz Dhedhi, Abdul Kadir Bilwani, Muhammad Hussain Moosani, Ehtesham Rais, Abdul Rasheed, Aman Naseem, Muhammad Tahir Goreja, and Haris Shakoor.