LAHORE: Pakistan Auto Rickshaw Manufacturers Association (PARMA) has demanded that the government lift the ban on operating 4-stroke CNG auto rickshaws, that are noiseless and environment friendly vehicles, on VIP roads.

The demand was made at a meeting with Malik Pervaiz Azmat the Project Director (CNG Green Rickshaw Loaning Scheme) Punjab Small Industries Corporation. Azmat briefed the members about the problems faced by the borrowers of the scheme regarding poor production quality of CNG auto rickshaws. He floated an idea of a CNG Club which could be a broader base for the manufacturers as well as private entrepreneurs for loaning facilities.

He said that 37 manufacturers have so far been registered by the Transport Department Government of Punjab and placed on PSIC loaning panel. On complaints by the members that the regional offices are delaying the disbursement of their finances, the Project Director promised that such grievances (as and when brought to his notice) are addressed without fail and doors are always open for due remedy.

Chairman PARMA Asif Rehan Dar joining the deliberations said that Pakistani 4-stroke CNG auto rickshaw has captured the markets of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and African countries and is also competing with the Indian Bajaj rickshaw. This is a very healthy sign and if the government supports the manufacturers, exports of millions of dollars of auto rickshaws are expected in the coming years.