Islamabad, June 24, 2025 – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, has emphasized that the liberalization of car imports will play a crucial role in compelling local auto manufacturers to elevate their quality standards.
The SAPM made these remarks while chairing an important consultative meeting with the Car Dealers Importers Association in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on various issues, including the upcoming Auto Policy 2026, challenges related to imports and exports, and the burden of additional customs duties. SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan recognized the Car Dealers Importers Association as a key stakeholder in the policymaking process, stating that their insights and suggestions are essential for shaping a dynamic and progressive auto sector.
According to the SAPM, opening avenues for commercial car imports will foster healthy competition, leading to improved product quality and innovation among domestic car manufacturers. “The era of monopoly must end. With more car imports, local manufacturers will be forced to upgrade, meet international standards, and eventually expand into exports,” he said.
He also underscored the need to ensure quality control in used car imports. The government, he noted, is introducing mandatory registration and certification procedures to ensure imported vehicles meet defined safety and environmental benchmarks. “We aim to protect both the consumer and the national interest through a transparent and regulated import system,” the SAPM added.
Mr. Khan highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is committed to promoting a competitive imports framework while also transitioning towards sustainable transportation solutions. Referring to the recently introduced Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025–2030, the SAPM revealed that Pakistan plans to convert 2.2 million vehicles to electric by 2030.
“The shift from petrol to electric is a vital national goal. Not only do electric vehicles reduce reliance on fuel imports, but they also help curb urban pollution,” he stressed.
The Car Dealers Importers Association pledged to submit comprehensive proposals in support of the new policy, to which SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan assured the government’s full cooperation and thorough consideration.