Adviser to Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has announced that the government will introduce a new auto policy shortly, aimed at supporting the automotive industry and encouraging growth among auto parts manufacturers.
Speaking to the media on the opening day of the Pakistan International Auto Show (PAPS) 2026 at the Expo Center Lahore, Haroon Akhtar Khan said the new policy would provide incentives to stakeholders across the automotive sector, including auto parts manufacturers.
He said the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, was focused on helping local auto parts manufacturers increase exports and strengthen Pakistan’s position in international markets.
The three-day Pakistan International Auto Show 2026 is being held with participation from industry professionals, international delegates and business leaders. Foreign representatives from China and other countries also attended the inauguration ceremony.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is participating in the event as a strategic partner of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM). The partnership aims to provide micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with opportunities to showcase products, develop partnerships and explore domestic and international markets.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said Pakistan’s automotive industry had significant potential and emphasized the importance of promoting local manufacturing, innovation and investment. He also called for the auto show to focus on business-to-business engagements, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and joint ventures.
SMEDA CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth said the automotive sector was among Pakistan’s key industrial segments, with considerable potential for SME-led growth. She said the authority would support auto parts and engineering businesses in adopting modern technologies and developing new business opportunities.
PAPS 2026 Convener Salman Saleem welcomed SMEDA’s participation as a strategic partner, saying the collaboration would strengthen efforts to showcase Pakistan’s automotive capabilities internationally and promote indigenous manufacturing under the “Make in Pakistan” vision.
A symposium is also scheduled for September 19 on the sidelines of the auto show, where stakeholders are expected to discuss a roadmap for the future development of Pakistan’s automotive industry.
