New Auto Policy On The Cards: Haroon Akhtar
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - September 18, 2026) Adviser to Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said on Friday that the government would soon unveil a new Auto Policy.
Talking at the opening of the 21st Pakistan International Auto Show (PIAS) 2026, he stated that the policy aimed to incentivize all stakeholders, including auto part makers. He further added that the government, under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was committed to supporting auto part makers in boosting exports.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is participating in PIAS-2026 as a 'strategic partner' of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM). The show, which began at the Expo Center in Lahore, offers industry professionals an opportunity to:
- Showcase their products.
- Expand into international markets.
- Explore new partnership avenues.
Foreign dignitaries from China and other countries, along with Pakistan’s industry leaders and businessmen, attended the inauguration ceremony. SMEDA's collaboration is part of its efforts to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in line with the strategic direction of the Ministry of Industries and Production.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized the government's commitment to transforming Pakistan into a competitive manufacturing economy by empowering MSMEs and strengthening industrial value chains. He also noted that events like the Pakistan Auto Show play a crucial role in promoting local manufacturing, encouraging innovation, and attracting investment.
He directed SMEDA to fully support PAAPAM and assist MSMEs in the sector to participate and gain market linkages.
Meanwhile, SMEDA CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth stated that the automotive sector holds immense potential for SME-led growth. She added:
"A number of MSMEs form the backbone of Pakistan’s auto parts and engineering industry. Through this strategic partnership with PAAPAM, SMEDA aims to provide these enterprises with a platform to showcase their capabilities, build strategic partnerships, adopt modern technologies, and explore new domestic and international business opportunities."
Welcoming SMEDA as a strategic partner, Salman Saleem, convener of PIAS 2026, expressed happiness, stating that the collaboration would further strengthen the exhibition's objective of showcasing Pakistan’s automotive industry globally.