Pakistan’s auto industry eyes global buyers as leaders call for a major export push

The country’s auto sector was urged on Friday to shift its attention towards exports as industry leaders gathered for the Pakistan Auto Show 2025 at the Karachi Expo Centre.

Engineering Development Board Chief Executive Officer Hamad Ali Mansoor said the time had come for local companies to position their vehicles in foreign markets. He noted that Pakistan’s auto landscape offered stronger potential than several regional markets, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Sri Lanka.

Mansoor encouraged automakers and parts producers to look beyond domestic sales and work towards securing export orders. According to him, future growth would rely on companies showing confidence in their own engineering strength and aiming for a global presence.

Industry voices optimism

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said the shift towards the Made in Pakistan approach had given the sector fresh energy this year. He said this model supported jobs, manufacturing and revenue generation, which made it important for long term economic health.

Magoon added that modern technology could lift production quality and open new opportunities. He also noted that a stable industrial policy would allow the auto sector to plan ahead and grow on solid ground.

A busy show floor

Earlier, Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers Senior Vice Chairman Shehryar Qadir welcomed participants and said the event had brought together more than 170 exhibitors. These included major local assemblers and a wide range of parts makers who play a central role in the manufacturing chain.

He also welcomed delegates from China, Korea, Singapore and Iran, saying their participation added value to the show and helped build international partnerships.

The three day event drew a strong turnout from industry professionals, students and suppliers who looked keen to see how the local sector could move towards a more export focused future.