NA’s Standing Committee visits IMC plant

KARACHI: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on industries and production, led by its Chairperson Syed Hafeezuddin, visited Indus Motor Company (IMC) on Thursday for a comprehensive briefing on its operations.

The delegation toured IMC’s plant, witnessing its advanced manufacturing processes, localisation efforts, and recent milestones.The delegation included Shahid Usman, Kiran Imran, Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Naz Baloch, Muhammad Iqbal Khan and Muhammad Saad Ullah. Muhammad Arshad Sahi and Dr Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto attended the meeting virtually. The delegation was also accompanied by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production Asad Islam Malhani, along with Chief Executive Officer, Engineering Development Board Engr Khuda Bukhsh.

IMC has reaffirmed its commitment to localisation in Pakistan’s automotive sector and highlighted further investment of Rs4.1 billion in 2024. The development is planned to be completed in 2026. This move bolsters the national economy, curtails import dependence, and generates employment opportunities.

The company has also expanded its global footprint by exporting Toyota Fortuner and Hilux vehicles to Oceania and raw materials to Egypt, becoming part of Toyota’s global supply chain. Furthermore, IMC has sent Pakistani skilled human resource to Japan, enhancing the country’s reputation as a hub for skilled human resource.

Highlighting its commitment to innovation and sustainability, IMC has developed Pakistan’s first locally manufactured hybrid electric vehicle, the Corolla Cross, with over 50 percent localised components. This underscores IMC’s dedication to the ‘Make in Pakistan’ initiative and environmental sustainability.

Hafeezuddin praised IMC’s achievements, emphasising the importance of supporting the local auto industry for economic growth and job creation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a self-sufficient automotive manufacturing sector.

CEO of IMC Ali Asghar Jamali on the occasion said, “Our ongoing investment in ‘Make in Pakistan’ initiative is focused on job creation, reducing the burden on foreign payments, and contributing to the establishment of a sustainable automotive sector in Pakistan.” He said, “With the industry operating at one fourth of its installed production capacity, the government should curb the illegal import of used cars, which undermine the local industry and employment opportunities within the country. We continue to focus on working with the government, to ensure auto-sector policies support and strengthen the local industry for long-term growth.”