Lahore: The Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Commerce and Industries, Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan, has emphasized the importance of competitive localization, technological advancement, and a quicker transition towards electric mobility to secure the future of Pakistan’s automotive industry.
According to Press Information Department, Khan addressed automotive industry leaders, government stakeholders, and representatives of academia as the Chief Guest at the PAAPAM Symposium. The event was 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) under the theme “Competitiveness-Localization and Electric Mobility.”
Prior to his address, Khan visited the stalls of local and international exhibitors, engaging in discussions with industry representatives. He toured PAAPAM’s pavilions and the stalls of leading automobile companies, including emerging electric vehicle manufacturers. Khan acknowledged the exhibitors and manufacturers for their contribution to the growth and development of Pakistan’s automotive industry.
During his speech, Khan highlighted the need for localization to extend beyond domestic production and align strategically with global competitiveness, affordability, quality, and reliability. He stressed the importance of providing consumers with greater choice and confidence through a competitive and technologically advanced automotive ecosystem.
Khan pointed out the automotive sector’s significant economic impact, noting that each vehicle produced in Pakistan supports a vast value chain of manufacturers, vendors, engineers, technicians, and workers. The sector, he mentioned, contributes nearly four percent to the national GDP and offers employment to millions of Pakistanis.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaborative policy development with industry stakeholders, Khan commended the automotive industry for its resilience and growth amid challenging economic conditions. He highlighted the necessity for the sector to prepare for emerging technologies, particularly electric vehicles, stating that the future of Pakistan’s automotive industry lies in competitive localization, innovation, and electric mobility.
Khan’s participation in the PAAPAM Symposium underscored the government’s dedication to sustained engagement with stakeholders and the development of a competitive, innovative, and future-ready automotive industry in Pakistan.