Pakistan’s new auto policy is in its final stages and is expected to be announced soon, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan has said.
Speaking on a private news channel, Akhtar said the upcoming policy would remove additional customs duties and regulatory duties on automobiles. He said the policy was almost complete, with the government currently working on its legal framework before the formal announcement.
According to Akhtar, finalizing the policy took time due to significant changes in Pakistan’s automotive sector. These include rising competition, the growing presence of electric vehicles (EVs), and the introduction of a national tariff policy.
He noted that the number of car manufacturers in Pakistan had increased from three to 13 under the previous two auto policies, making competition a key factor in preparing the new framework.
“The biggest change has been the arrival of electric vehicles,” Akhtar said, adding that the new policy would introduce measures aimed at facilitating EV adoption.
The government has held extensive consultations on the policy and is taking additional time to complete its legal aspects. Akhtar said the government also wants to avoid repeating shortcomings associated with previous automotive policies.
A key objective of the new framework is to make vehicles more affordable for consumers while maintaining a balance that enables locally manufactured vehicles to compete in international markets.
