SMEDA partners with PAAPAM for auto show 2026

  A major initiative has been announced to establish an automotive zone on 150 acres of land at Port Qasim in Karachi, with the government expecting the project to create new opportunities for exports and generate significant foreign exchange for Pakistan. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Port Qasim Authority Board, chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. The meeting reviewed plans aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and promoting industrial and export-related activities through the country’s major port facilities. Speaking at the meeting, Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the proposed auto zone would cover approximately 150 acres at Port Qasim. He said the project was expected to generate around $500 million in annual exports, while contributing approximately $200 million in foreign exchange earnings each year According to the minister, the auto zone will provide a range of facilities linked to the automotive industry. These will include refurbishment facilities, display areas and spare-parts services. The development is expected to support businesses involved in the import, refurbishment and export of automotive products and components. The minister said the project would create new export opportunities for Pakistan’s automotive sector and help the country strengthen its position in international markets. He described the proposed auto zone as an integrated framework that would bring together automobile imports, refurbishment and exports at a single location. The initiative is also expected to encourage greater investment in the automotive sector by providing businesses with dedicated infrastructure and facilities. By bringing different stages of automotive-related activities together, the project could help improve efficiency and create opportunities for companies seeking to expand their operations in Pakistan. Port Qasim’s strategic importance as one of Pakistan’s major ports could further support the project. The location provides access to maritime transportation and international trade routes, potentially making it easier for automotive businesses to handle imported vehicles, spare parts and other related products before exporting refurbished or finished products to overseas markets. The government expects the auto zone to contribute to the country’s broader efforts to increase exports and generate foreign exchange. Pakistan has been seeking new avenues to expand its export base and reduce pressure on its foreign exchange reserves. In this context, the proposed automotive zone could provide a platform for developing value-added activities rather than relying solely on the import and sale of automotive products. The inclusion of refurbishment facilities is particularly significant because it could allow imported vehicles and automotive components to be repaired, upgraded or prepared for resale and export. Similarly, dedicated spare-parts facilities could support both local businesses and export-oriented automotive operations. The project is therefore being presented as more than a conventional industrial development. It is intended to establish an integrated automotive ecosystem connecting imports, refurbishment, display, spare parts and exports. If implemented as planned, the Port Qasim auto zone could attract investment, support businesses associated with the automotive industry, create employment opportunities and increase Pakistan’s export earnings. The government believes that the project will open new avenues for growth in the automotive sector while contributing to the country’s overall foreign exchange generation and export expansion efforts.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced a 75-paisa per unit increase in electricity prices for consumers across Pakistan, including domestic users of K-Electric. The revised tariff will be reflected in electricity bills issued during August 2026, according to an official notification released by the regulator. The increase has been approved under the monthly fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for June 2026, a mechanism through which electricity tariffs are periodically revised to account for changes in fuel generation costs. The adjustment applies to electricity consumers served by power distribution companies nationwide, including those receiving electricity from K-Electric in Karachi. According to the notification, consumers will pay an additional Rs0.75 per unit in their August electricity bills. The fuel cost adjustment is a routine regulatory measure designed to recover fluctuations in the cost of electricity generation caused by varying fuel prices and the overall energy mix used by power producers. NEPRA stated that the revised charges are part of the monthly adjustment process and are intended to align electricity tariffs with the actual cost of power generation during the relevant period. The authority regularly reviews requests submitted by power distribution companies before approving any changes in consumer tariffs. The latest increase comes as electricity consumers across Pakistan continue to face higher utility costs amid rising inflation and increasing household expenses. The adjustment will affect millions of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers, although the exact financial impact will depend on individual electricity consumption levels. Domestic consumers in Karachi supplied by K-Electric will also be subject to the revised tariff, ensuring that the increase is implemented uniformly across the country. The notification confirms that the additional charges will be included in the current billing cycle for August. Fuel cost adjustments are separate from the base electricity tariff and may result in either increases or reductions in monthly bills depending on changes in fuel prices and electricity generation costs. In recent years, these periodic revisions have become a regular feature of Pakistan’s electricity pricing system as regulators seek to recover actual power generation expenses. Consumers are advised to review their upcoming electricity bills carefully to understand the impact of the latest tariff adjustment and any other applicable charges included in the monthly billing statement.