Pakistan Auto Show 2025 Kicks Off in Karachi Today

The Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) 2025 starts today at the Expo Centre Karachi, bringing together industry experts, manufacturers, government of...

The Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) 2025 starts today at the Expo Centre Karachi, bringing together industry experts, manufacturers, government officials, and car enthusiasts under a single roof to honor Pakistan's automotive progress - a path shaped by four decades of domestic production, creativity, and perseverance.

Starting from modest roots in the 1980s, Pakistan's automotive sector has grown to become a major contributor to the country's industrial development. It currently provides employment to thousands, nurtures engineering expertise, and plays a significant role in GDP growth via an extensive web of local vendors and suppliers. Over time, vehicles assembled locally have come to represent strength, dependability, resale worth, and cost-effective maintenance—qualities that have established lasting consumer trust and made domestic production a vital component of Pakistan's economic structure.

However, during the festivities, there are also worries. Industry experts caution that the increasing number of used imported vehicles presents a significant risk to the sector's hard-earned advancements. Even though billions have been invested in production plants and localization efforts, the rising influence of second-hand cars in the market has made it difficult for local manufacturers to operate at full capacity. This situation may be particularly tough for the newer companies that entered the market following the 2015-2025 Auto policy, as they are still trying to establish themselves in the industry.

The automotive sector has made significant investments in localization during the last four decades, generating jobs and developing expertise," stated Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO of Indus Motor Company (IMC). "However, if the unregulated import of second-hand vehicles persists, it will deter future investments and harm both the manufacturing sector and the economy, putting the employment of 2.5 million skilled workers at serious risk. What we require is policy consistency—something that supports the local industry while prioritizing the consumer's welfare.

This conversation is taking place at a critical moment, as the government gets ready to announce the new Auto Policy 2026-31. Industry participants are asking decision-makers to achieve a sustainable equilibrium—supporting cost-effective options for consumers without harming local production. Usman Malik, head of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), shared the same view. "Pakistan's component industry has made impressive strides in localization and quality," he stated. "The upcoming auto policy must ensure that while consumers have access to affordable vehicles, local manufacturers and parts producers are provided with the conditions necessary for growth and competitiveness." He further mentioned that the illegal import of second-hand cars is threatening an investment of USD 5 billion, 1,200 manufacturing units, and approximately 2.5 million jobs.

Experts are in agreement that a successful automotive policy should promote local investment, safeguard current capabilities, and further enhance the local parts industry. With more than 17 international car manufacturers already active in Pakistan and total installed capacity surpassing 500,000 vehicles annually, the issue is not the absence of infrastructure — it's the underuse resulting from policy instability and unjust market conditions. At PAPS 2025, the message is clear: Pakistan's automotive sector is prepared to expand, innovate, and compete — but it requires a fair and balanced environment.

The program serves as both an acknowledgment and a reminder - that the vehicles manufactured in Pakistan today go beyond technical achievement; they symbolize national perseverance and economic independence. As the exhibition begins, experts in the field and attendees alike express the same aspiration - that the upcoming stage of Pakistan's automotive development will be guided by fair policies, homegrown creativity, and a revived dedication to producing cars genuinely suited for Pakistan.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).