Interview with Mr. Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh, Expert, Automobile industry of Pakistan
Profile:
With an illustrious career spanning over twenty-five years, Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh stands as a distinguished force in corporate affairs, public policy, and strategic communications. Renowned for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, he has consistently shaped impactful narratives at the intersection of government, all kinds of Industries and society.
His career is marked by more than two decades of transformative leadership as Corporate, Public, Media, Communications Affairs and official spokesperson in different and prominent Multinational and leading organizations. Shafiq has been instrumental in strengthening institutional credibility, advancing regulatory alignment, and fostering high-value stakeholder partnerships. He successfully steered public affairs strategy, crisis management, and media engagement with remarkable precision.
A master strategist and influential policy advocate, Shafiq has played a pivotal role in shaping regulatory frameworks and public policy discourse through sustained engagement with government bodies, legislators, and industry leaders. His ability to navigate complex institutional environments has enabled organizations to achieve strategic alignment, mitigate risks, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities.
Beyond corporate leadership, his contributions extend to impactful CSR initiatives, ESG-driven programs, and philanthropic efforts that have delivered meaningful social change while enhancing organizational reputation. A respected voice in policy advocacy and stakeholder diplomacy, he has built enduring alliances across chambers, federations, NGOs, and global institutions.
His distinguished affiliations, including serving four times as Chairman/Chief Convener at FPCCI, underscore his influence and credibility. Backed by an MBA, EMBA and H-Phd in marketing, Management relations he have extensive knowledge and understanding of Corporate, Government Affairs, Public, NGO’s, Partner’s, Media and stakeholder Relations and dealing, Marketing and Communications Management etc.
Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh exemplifies strategic foresight, integrity, and leadership,cementing his legacy as a transformative leader shaping the future of corporate and public affairs.
PAGE: Is it true that new auto players appear reluctant to share the localisation in their vehicle assembly operations. Your perspective:
Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh: Yes, localisation reluctance mong new players are true that many new entrants in Pakistan’s automotive market have faced criticism for their slow pace of localisation because they are interested in subsidies and benefits from Government, that’s why several new players have arrived. Whereas established players have built good vendor networks but they also not localised related components with engine and transmission. Newer players often rely heavily on Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) kits. New entrants benefited from the Auto Development Policy (ADP) 2016-21, which allowed them to import parts at lower duties. The more localisation or localising hightech components requires economies of scale (high production volumes), which many new entrants lack due to Pakistan’s relatively small annual market of 150,000–180,000 units. Secondly, Pakistan lacks a strong domestic base for essential raw materials.
PAGE: How much is consumer demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) annually?
Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh: Now account for over 20% of all new passenger car sales globally, with sales rising 45% year on year from 2025. PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrids) losing some global momentum to BEVs but remain popular in emerging markets as a bridge technology. In Pakistani market, combined demand for hybrids and EVs is estimated at 35,000 to 40,000 units annually and HEVs/PHEVs currently the preferred choice due to “range anxiety” and lack of charging infrastructure.
PAGE: What is your standpoint on technological advancement in auto sector?
Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh: In my opinion nowadays Cars are becoming “rolling computers” with Over the Air (OTA) updates and AI driven features, expected to hold a 79% market share by 2035. Artificial Intelligence has accelerated vehicle development cycles by up to 120 times through digital simulations and machine learning. AI powered inspections and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are moving from luxury features to industry standards.
PAGE: What are your expectations from the new auto policy which is under consideration?
Shafiq Ahmed Shaikh: The upcoming Automobiles and Auto Parts Manufacturing Policy (2026–31), developed in consultation with the IMF, aims to move Pakistan market from industry to consumer based and competitive one. There are expectations and also a plan to reduce the weighted average tariff on vehicle imports from 10.6% to 7.4% by 2030. By capping customs duties on finished vehicles at 15%, the government expects more affordable options for consumers and this will help an ambitious goal to raise auto exports from $300 million to $3 billion and push annual production to 500,000 units. Alignment with the New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025-30 to offer tax concessions specially for EV components and non-localised parts. In my opinion, the new policy’s success depends on balancing lower prices for consumers with the survival of local parts manufacturers who fear losing protection, so Government make a good localisation plan along with stakeholders for long term growth, good volumes and less priced vehicles.