Due to a persistent lack of imported components and accessories, Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd (PSMCL) has prolonged the factory shutdown from January 9 to 13 after keeping manufacturing operations paused from January 2 to 6.

However, the business stated in a stock filing on Friday that the motorbike facility will continue to be in operation.

The State Bank of Pakistan’s restrictions on obtaining prior approval for imports, including completely knocked-down (CKD) kits, have prevented PSMCL from opening its production facilities for 30 days since August 2022. This has negatively impacted the clearance of shipments from the port and resulted in shortages of parts and accessories.

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On the fate of employees because of persistent plant closure and plummeting sales of vehicles, a PSMCL official claimed that “so far no company’s employees have been terminated.”

In 5MFY23, Pak Suzuki’s sales decreased by 35 per cent to 37,042 units from 57,200 in the same time the previous fiscal year.

On Friday, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) both voiced their concerns regarding Millat Tractors’ decision to cease operations for an indefinite period of time due to declining sales and delayed sales tax refunds.

In a joint statement, PAAPAM Senior Vice Chairman Usman Aslam Malik and LCCI President Kashif Anwar observed that “we should save Pakistan first, then politics, before we reach the point of no return.”

Both leaders urged the administration and the opposition parties to get together and talk about how to resolve the nation’s crisis.

They pointed out localization as the long-term answer to economic issues. The removal of imports must be given first priority, followed by the removal of export.