{
  "id": 12032919,
  "title": "Local automotive industry: Haroon calls for a fundamental transformation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/local-automotive-industry-haroon-calls-for-a-fundamental",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-05T00:09:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40442639/local-automotive-industry-haroon-calls-for-a-fundamental-transformation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lahore: Prime Minister's Advisor for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan's automotive sector, asserting that the nation must transcend vehicle assembly to compete globally. Speaking at the inauguration of a new vehicle jointly developed by Changan and Pakistani partners, Khan emphasized that Pakistan's automotive ambitions should extend beyond domestic needs and aim to become an integral part of global automotive value chains. He stressed that Pakistan's automotive industry is undergoing a profound technological shift, with modern vehicles integrating mobility, software, electronics, artificial intelligence, connectivity, and advanced energy systems. Khan highlighted that vehicles are now essentially computers on wheels, presenting a dual challenge and opportunity for Pakistan. He argued that localisation should be a pathway to developing globally competitive industrial capabilities rather than merely increasing the proportion of locally produced components. Khan emphasized that localisation should extend beyond the domestic market, with products eventually being used in vehicles worldwide. He noted that a major manufacturing plant could foster a broader ecosystem involving vendors, component manufacturers, engineers, technology providers, logistics operators, and service industries. Khan praised Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's economic vision, which centers on production, investment, productivity, and exports, and stated that the government is working to turn this vision into tangible industrial outcomes. He highlighted the government's role in creating an enabling environment for investors, industries, engineers, and businesses to thrive without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Khan referred to the Auto and Auto Parts Manufacturing Policy 2026-31, expressing optimism that the government is laying the groundwork for a more competitive, resilient, and export-oriented automotive sector. He pointed out that Pakistan's burgeoning electric vehicle market could be a pivotal opportunity for industrial transformation if the country focuses on developing domestic capabilities in batteries, motors, charging systems, power electronics, software, and energy storage. Khan urged Pakistan to approach the electric mobility transition as a broader technological and manufacturing opportunity rather than merely an import revolution. He welcomed Chinese investment and participation in Pakistan's automotive sector, emphasizing that the government seeks not only financial investment but also technology transfer, engineering cooperation, and the development of local human capital. Khan stressed that industrial protection should ultimately prepare industries for international competition rather than serve as a permanent shield. He advocated for tariff rationalisation, productivity improvement, and regulatory reform as central tenets of the government's industrial agenda, emphasizing that excessive regulations and delays directly increase the cost of doing business. Khan stressed that the government will continue working on policies and regulations while industry must improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and competitiveness in line with international standards. He also underscored the importance of protecting consumer interests, ensuring that Pakistani consumers receive globally competitive products, higher safety standards, reliable after-sales services, and reasonable prices. Khan highlighted Pakistan's youthful population as a significant economic asset, urging the nation to invest in engineering, technical skills, research, and innovation to fully leverage its human capital.",
  "summary": "LAHORE: Advisor to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has called for a fundamental transformation of Pakistan’s automotive industry, saying the country can no longer remain confined to vehicle assembly and must build the engineering, technological and innovation capabilities required to compete in international markets. Addressing a ceremony here marking the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Haroon Akhtar Khan calls for fundamental automotive sector transformation in Pakistan.",
    "Localisation aims to develop globally competitive industrial capabilities beyond domestic market."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}