In a media talk on the opening day of Pakistan International Auto Show 2026, he said the policy aimed to incentivize all stakeholders, including auto part makers. The government, under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is striving for supporting auto part makers in enhancing exports, he said.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is participating in the 21st Pakistan International Auto Show (PIAS) 2026 as a ‘strategic partner’ of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM).

The three-day show - which offers an opportunity for industry professionals to showcase their products, expand into fast-growing international markets and explore new avenues for partnerships - began at the Expo Center, Lahore. Foreign dignitaries from China and other countries joined Pakistan’s industry leaders and businessmen at the inauguration ceremony.

SMEDA’s collaboration is part of its efforts to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in line with the strategic direction of the Ministry of Industries and Production, spearheading drive to achieve national economic objectives.

Haroon Akhtar Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, earlier said the government was committed to transforming Pakistan into a competitive manufacturing economy by empowering MSMEs and strengthening industrial value chains.

“Pakistan’s automotive industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and potential. Platforms like the Pakistan Auto Show play a vital role in promoting local manufacturing, encouraging innovation and attracting investment,” he said.

He stressed that the event should be presented as a “grand global show” with focus on B2B, MoUs and joint ventures for a meaningful contribution to the economy. He directed SMEDA to fully support PAAPAM and enable MSMEs in the sector to participate and gain market linages.

In a statement, CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth said the automotive sector was one of Pakistan’s most dynamic industrial segments with tremendous potential for SME-led growth.

“A number of MSMEs form the backbone of Pakistan’s auto parts and engineering industry. Through this strategic partnership with PAAPAM, SMEDA aims to provide these enterprises with a platform to showcase their capabilities, build strategic partnerships, adopt modern technologies and explore new domestic and international business opportunities,” she said.

Welcoming SMEDA as strategic partner, convener PAPS 2026 Salman Saleem earlier said the collaboration would further strengthen the exhibition’s objective of showcasing Pakistan’s automotive industry to the world.

“We are pleased to have SMEDA on board as strategic partner for PAPS 2026. Its support will significantly enhance SME participation and reinforce our collective efforts to promote indigenous manufacturing under the 'Make in Pakistan' vision,” he said.

He said a symposium would be held on Sept 19 on the sidelines of the event and it would help make a roadmap for future.