Karachi: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has successfully processed the first-ever commercial shipment of electric vehicles from Chinese automaker BYD. The shipment arrived at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), a private terminal within KPT. In August 2024, Pakistan's automotive sector witnessed a significant advancement with the entry of BYD, a prominent global leader in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, into the Pakistani market. The upcoming vehicles is expected to contribute to advancements in the automotive sector in Pakistan by emphasizing environmentally sustainable transportation solutions. BYD’s entry into Pakistan comes amid a growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. The local market in Pakistan is experiencing intensified competition from Chinese automotive manufacturers, including Great Wall Motor, SAIC Motor, and Chongqing Changan Automobile. Their market entry presents significant challenges for Japanese brands, such as Toyota and Honda, in their efforts to sustain their dominance. In October 2024, Mega Motor Company (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of The Hub Power Company Limited (HUBCO), partnered with BYD to produce, market, and distribute BYD vehicles in Pakistan. The framework established with BYD encompasses the exchange of technical licenses aimed at enhancing their presence in the local market. BYD, founded in 1994, is known for its innovation in the electric vehicle industry and is expected to play a significant role in the development of the EV sector in Pakistan.