DPM Ishaq Dar reviews auto policy, pushes faster transition to electric vehicles

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a series of high-level meetings to review Pakistan’s Auto and Auto Parts Policy, with discussions focusing on accelerating the country’s shift towards electric vehicles (EVs).

During the meetings, officials reviewed proposals aimed at increasing EV adoption, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and supporting the growth of the automotive industry through policy measures and regulatory facilitation.

The committee was briefed on initiatives designed to encourage investment in the EV sector, expand industrial capacity and improve the competitiveness of local manufacturers. Discussions also covered the potential of electric vehicles to create employment opportunities, boost exports and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

Senator Ishaq Dar emphasised the need to build a competitive, innovative and sustainable automotive ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth, enhancing industrial development and generating skilled jobs.

He said the transition towards electric mobility should be aligned with broader national objectives, including export promotion, environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

The deputy prime minister stressed that policymaking should remain consultative and inclusive, ensuring that recommendations are practical, implementable and consistent with national development priorities.

A sub-committee formed during an earlier meeting presented its findings and recommendations after conducting consultations with relevant stakeholders. The proposals were reviewed by the committee as part of the ongoing process to finalise reforms in the auto and auto parts sector.

The meetings were attended by the ministers for Finance, Power, Petroleum and Climate Change, representatives of the Board of Investment, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, ministers of state for Finance and Railways, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, and senior officials from the Ministries of Commerce, Industries and Production, and Petroleum.

The National Coordinator of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCMC), along with policy experts, economists and other stakeholders, also participated in the discussions.