ISLAMABAD, Sep 21: Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan on Monday underscored the need for competitive localization, technological advancement and a faster transition towards electric mobility to secure the future of Pakistan’s automotive industry.
He expressed these views while addressing automotive industry leaders, government stakeholders and representatives of academia as chief guest at the PAAPAM Symposium, held on the second day of the Pakistan International Auto Show 2026 at the Lahore International Expo Centre.
Organized by the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), the symposium was held under the theme, “Competitiveness, Localization and Electric Mobility,” said a news release.
Rana Ihsan said localization must go beyond domestic production and be strategically aligned with global competitiveness, affordability, quality and reliability. He stressed that consumers must be provided with greater choice and confidence through a competitive and technologically advanced automotive ecosystem.
Highlighting the sector’s substantial economic footprint, the Coordinator said every vehicle produced in Pakistan supports an extensive value chain comprising manufacturers, vendors, engineers, technicians and workers. The automotive sector, he noted, contributes nearly four per cent to the national GDP and provides employment to millions of Pakistanis.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to work closely with industry stakeholders in developing policies that are inclusive, future-oriented, consistent and fair.
Commending the automotive industry for its resilience and continued growth despite challenging economic conditions, Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan said the time had come for the sector to prepare decisively for emerging technologies, particularly electric vehicles.
“The future of Pakistan’s automotive industry lies in competitive localization, innovation and electric mobility. The Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment in which industry can grow, invest and compete internationally,” he said.
The coordinator’s participation in the PAAPAM Symposium reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained engagement with stakeholders and to building a competitive, innovative and future-ready automotive industry in Pakistan.
The coordinator also visited the stalls of local and international exhibitors and held discussions with industry representatives. He toured PAAPAM’s pavilions and the stalls of leading automobile companies, including emerging electric vehicle manufacturers.
He appreciated the exhibitors and manufacturers for their vital contribution to the growth, innovation and development of Pakistan’s automotive industry.
