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Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's EV sector is ‘like a newborn baby', needs time to evolve, say experts
KARACHI: Pakistan is seeing an emerging momentum around new energy vehicles (NEVs) amid the government's NEV Policy 2025 – 30. However, despite the growing presence of global EV brands like BYD, Deepal, and MG, experts say Pakistan still lacks the ecosystem to support wide-scale adoption such as EV infrastructure and charging networks. Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh, automobile consultant and expert, told Business Recorder that 'the electric vehicle sector is just like a newborn baby in the country. If we are expecting that in a day or two this sector will perform like our decades-old gasoline vehicles infrastructure, it is wrong and not a good comparison.' He said there is no denying the federal government has been doing serious work in the area - its National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30 aims to significantly increase the adoption of electric vehicles and promote sustainable transportation. Another electric vehicle policy is also in the pipeline and several investors along with the government are working on easy access infrastructure. After Lucky Motor, Pak Suzuki hikes car prices amid new NEV levy 'In a couple of years, if the government's support remains, we will definitely witness good and reliable infrastructure as well as excellent spare parts, services and advanced featured EVs.' 'It augurs well that the world knows EV companies are eager to build their plants in the country. When it comes to the future of EV and its infrastructure, both are really bright,' he added. '10-year stable, incentive-backed framework is non-negotiable' Auto expert Syed ShabbirUddin - who has over two decades of experience in the automotive industry and has led a successful EV introduction in the country - said Pakistan's EV Policy 2025 is directionally correct, but structurally weak. He told Business Recorder that with global battery costs dropping, a mass EV transition is expected by 2027. 'Pakistan must act now or risk becoming a dumping ground for outdated technology - Mere assembly of imported EVs won't cut it.' He explained that the country needs to localize high-value components like direct current (DC) chargers, charging cables, and EV motors—especially when it has raw materials like copper available. Sazgar plans NEV rollout by FY26, ups CapEx to Rs11.5bn Critical dual-use components such as braking systems and automotive-grade Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) steel must also be localized. 'There's no reason why Pakistan shouldn't be hosting suppliers like Continental AG, Aisin, or Valeo, just like India did decades ago,' he said, adding: 'the fundamental flaw remains our short-term policy horizon. A five-year policy gives the industry barely enough time to align before the next policy shift threatens to undo progress. A 10-year stable, incentive-backed framework is non-negotiable. Without it, Pakistan will fall further behind regional players who are already racing ahead in EV industrialization.' Improved urban air quality Meanwhile MG Motors Pakistan GM Marketing Division Syed Asif Ahmed said once the NEV Policy 2025 – 30 is approved, will align Pakistan with developed nations in classification of zero emission vehicles. The policy is poised to make a major dent in transport-related emissions, which currently account for 43% of the country's airborne pollutants. Pakistan advances NEV policy with Rs100bn subsidy Ahmed said that by promoting zero tailpipe emission vehicles, the policy can achieve improved urban air quality and reduced smog. Lower particulate matter means fewer respiratory illnesses and better public health outcomes. The policy also aligns with Pakistan's broader climate goals, including a net-zero transport fleet by 2060, and leverages the country's 37% renewable electricity mix to ensure that EVs remain clean from source to street. PHEV, EV and Hydrogen Cell Powered Vehicles are classified as NEV due to their ability to produce zero emissions. Earlier, under pressure from automotive giants, developing countries were forced to consider hybrid vehicles as NEV to enjoy tax subsidies. Unfortunately, these subsidies neither helped the environment nor were passed on to the end user. Both the principal and the local partner remained the beneficiary of such subsidies at the expense of people, government and local environment. Unlike hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids are an ideal urban mobility solution as they offer pure EV range. PHEVs also save early adopters from so-called range anxiety on long routes as they shift to hybrid modes after exhausting their EV range. Pakistan's NEV targets of zero emission and fuel savings are aligned with global trends, though its timeline is more gradual compared to the US, China and even India. As a result, automotive assemblers in Pakistan will introduce more PHEV variants with the support of global partners causing fuel bills to go down and exhaust emission to reduce. 'However, whether consumers enjoy gains from the tax benefits offered by government or end up buying overpriced vehicles like hybrids remains to be seen,' Syed Asif Ahmed said.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Passenger car sales jump 32% in 11 months
Listen to article Passenger car sales increased by 32.1% to 94,388 units during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period in the previous year on account of a variety of reasons, including a dramatic fall in interest rates, back-to-back Eid festivities, anticipated price hikes ahead of the federal budget 2025-26, and others. According to data released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), sales of all vehicles, including two-, three-, and four-wheelers, increased; however, sales of farm tractors declined. Sales of jeeps-cum-pickups rose by 66% to 31,706 units. Sales of trucks and buses increased by 95.7% to 3,776 units and by 73.3% to 719 units, respectively. Sales of motorcycles and rickshaws also surged by 30% to 1,378,131 units. However, sales of farm tractors fell by a dramatic 36.8% to 26,401 units. Automobile consultant and expert Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh said it augurs well that, excluding the tractor segment, other parts of the auto sector are gaining momentum as they are on an upward trend. This reflects that the auto industry is growing and regaining strength. "In my opinion, there are four main reasons. First, the reduction in interest rates — different banks and financial institutions are offering good and affordable instalment schemes. Secondly, owing to information and rumours ahead of the federal budget that vehicle prices will rise, sales have increased. Thirdly, during both Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha, sales witnessed substantial rises as customers wanted vehicles during the Eid holidays to celebrate in a better way. Finally, credit for the significant rise in vehicle sales also goes to improved law and order, which has supported the industry, along with favourable government measures allowing the industry to flourish. In my opinion, the auto industry has the potential and capacity to grow. We foresee that the existing industry will face stronger competition from electric vehicles (EVs), as the future will mainly depend on EVs," he said. Auto sector analyst Mashood Khan said all segments of the automotive industry performed well except for the tractor segment. The motorcycle industry has continuously gained strong momentum throughout the year due to the middle class, which cannot afford expensive four-wheelers. When it comes to the auto industry overall, it has started regaining strength. Meanwhile, raising concerns about the recently announced federal budget 2025-26, MG Motors Pakistan General Manager (GM) Marketing Division Syed Asif Ahmed said the industry is seeking clarity on the budget. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) enjoy 8.5% GST compared to 18% on EVs. This anomaly has existed for many years, giving HEVs an advantage over EVs. "Social media has reported an increase in the GST for HEVs from 8.5% to 18%. If true, this will jeopardise the huge investments made by almost all automakers in HEVs. The Finance Bill is silent on the subject, despite the Automotive Industry Development and Export Plan (AIDEP) 2021-26 commitment of no change in tariffs until June 2026. What is needed is for EV GST to be reduced to 8.5% to match HEVs," he said. He added that used car importers are abusing the gift, baggage, and transfer of residence schemes for commercial trading. Allowing commercial imports of five-year-old used cars with reduced Regulatory Duty (RD) will distort the playing field against local assemblers.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Auto sector seeks long-term policy
Indus Motor CEO has pleaded for rationalising the tax structure for locally manufactured vehicles to create a level playing field with the imported used cars. photo: file Listen to article Experts of the auto sector, in their budget proposals, have called on the government to draw up a long-term policy and provide relief to the industry and customers in the larger interest of the national economy. Automobile sector consultant Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh said it augurs well that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows interest in the auto sector and now its issues will not only be highlighted, but solutions will also be provided for the long run. The IMF's suggestion to remove restrictions on the import of used vehicles is very critical because used cars will compete for the same market where the existing industry is operating. Another suggestion for a gradual reduction in duties will also prove to be a game changer. According to policymakers, this specific proposal will not only bring down trade barriers but will also simplify customs procedures, including the phased elimination of additional customs duty (ACD) and an 80% reduction in regulatory duty (RD). It will gradually reduce the weighted average tariff from 10.6% in FY25 to 7.4% by FY30. These tariff cuts will reduce protection for the local auto industry, lower the cost of vehicles as well as increase exports and affordability. "It is really a sensitive point, which must be discussed with the auto industry and other stakeholders for long-term and acceptable solutions," he said. "As we know, electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, which will mainly come from China, so it is the right time that sustainable and long-term policies and incentives for EVs and their accessories are introduced for better investments and more jobs." Indus Motor CEO Ali Asghar Jamali called for revising the financing limit from Rs3 million to 70% of a vehicle's retail price and extending the financing tenure from three years to seven years. It is good to encourage overseas Pakistanis to purchase locally manufactured vehicles by offering tax and duty exemptions, provided payments are made through foreign currency accounts. This will help shift demand away from used car imports. He stressed the need for offering tax and duty breaks to vehicle exporters to ensure competitive international pricing. Additionally, there is a need to sign free trade agreements and preferential trade agreements to enhance global competitiveness and market accessibility for Pakistani vehicles. As far as used cars are concerned, the import of such cars should be restricted as it adversely impacts economic growth, fosters tax evasion and fuels the grey market. Pakistan has an annual manufacturing capacity of 500,000 passenger vehicles, of which 76% remains underutilised. There is an urgent need to keep a suitable tariff difference between completely knocked down (CKD) and completely built-up (CBU) units to incentivise local assembly, promote job creation and support economic growth. The government should develop a consistent and stable policy framework for the automotive sector to ensure long-term growth and avoid frequent policy changes. This includes the formulation of a comprehensive policy to promote the establishment of local industries for essential raw material such as steel, resin, aluminium and copper, which are critical components for high-value goods. For instance, India's steel policy has enabled it to become a net exporter of steel. Jamali pleaded for rationalising the tax structure for locally manufactured vehicles to create a level playing field with the imported used cars. He also called for adjusting the depreciation rate for the imported used cars from 1% to 0.5% to enhance tax revenue for the government. Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (Paapam) Senior Vice Chairman and Jin Kwang JAZ Limited Executive Director Shehryar Qadir voiced deep concern over reports that the government was considering slashing peak customs duty on CBUs to 15% and CKD units to below that threshold by 2030 under the National Tariff Policy 2025-30. Though it has been termed a structural reform aimed at promoting export-led growth and aligning with the IMF's liberalisation benchmarks, critics argue the proposal risks triggering de-industrialisation and could unravel decades of investment in Pakistan's automotive sector. Paapam has emerged as a leading voice against the proposed cut, warning that such a drastic step will render local parts manufacturers uncompetitive in their own market. The association has submitted a comprehensive objection to the Engineering Development Board (EDB), asserting that the policy, if implemented, will jeopardise one million direct and indirect jobs and erode investor trust in Pakistan's industrial policy continuity. The local parts makers face additional cost disadvantages compared to regional countries in the form of higher freight (on raw material as steel, plastic resin or rubber is not produced in Pakistan) and financing costs as well as smaller economies of scale. A recent study submitted by Paapam to the EDB shows that Pakistan's parts industry suffers from a 34% cost disadvantage relative to the regional peers.
