LAHORE: The country’s largest three-day automobile, parts and accessories event — Pakistan Auto Show — began at Lahore Expo Centre on Friday.

Federal Minister for Industries & Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood inaugurated the expo along with the Engineering Development Board chairman Almas Hyder.

Organised by the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (Paapam), the event features more than 153 exhibitors comprising local and international auto manufacturers and related enterprises.

As Paapam represents over 3,000 large, medium and small industries all over Pakistan, its show-2022 is themed as “Made-in-Pakistan”. Renowned companies exhibited their latest parts and technologies, including 150 auto parts manufacturers. Visitors will be able to take test-drive tracks for the latest cars of MG, Toyota, Suzuki and Honda. Also, Motorway Police Kiosk is stationed at the venue to facilitate the visitors by engaging them on how to improve their driving and offering Learner’s Driving Licenses on the spot.

“The government’s strong commitment to this industry helps to encourage large-scale investments and creates a business-friendly environment for the automotive and engineering sectors as well. I offer my heartiest congratulations to our local industrialists and engineers who have achieved remarkable success in establishing a robust engineering sector, which is generating remarkable new opportunities for value-added exports,” the industries minister said while speaking on the occasion.

“The country’s automobile industry is a cornerstone of the national economy. It not only vitalizes the economy but plays an essential role in elevating Pakistan’s image as a progressive country with a thriving industrial base,” he added.

Paapam former chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi said: “Pakistan Auto Show 2022 is setting new benchmarks and trends for the automotive industry. Today, this mega event has attracted thousands of visitors from all over Pakistan as well as abroad,”

He said over 200 international buyers and 100 international visitors have arrived here to attend the show. He urged the government to prepare long-term plans in a bid to support industries accordingly.

Paapam chairman Abdur Razzaq Gauhar while speaking on the occasion said the people were passionate about seeing the latest revolutionary technologies being deployed in Pakistan. “Some of the participants this year include global automobile brands, along with spare-parts manufacturers, component suppliers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM vendors), automobile traders, investors, buyers and enthusiasts.”

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2022