The government is losing around Rs15 billion every year due to the smuggling of more than 2.5 million new and used tyres into the country.
Industry sources said it is a huge blow to the local tyre industry, the government and consumers. Governments world over protect their industries, but in Pakistan the situation is quite reverse, they said.
Brand new tyres produced years ago, hence expired from safety and quality point of view, are routinely being smuggled in and re-stamped with fresh dates locally, cleaned and then wrapped before being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Also used winter tyres, which are not suitable for hot climate, have also been smuggled into the country. Except for the cement industry which is allowed to use tyres as an alternative fuel, used tyres are banned in Pakistan. Yet, they are being smuggled in and sold to the public.
