Pakistan must adopt digital manufacturing to grow its exports and stay competitive globally, said Haroon Akhtar Khan. He is the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production. Speaking at the International Summit on Redefining Digital Manufacturing, he called for faster adoption of new technologies. These include 3D scanning, additive manufacturing, and high-precision production systems.
He noted that countries like the UK, Japan, and South Korea succeeded through industrial modernization. Haroon said Pakistan’s new industrial policy is the first of its kind. It aims to build a strong, competitive industrial base. The goal is to move from outdated assembly lines to smart, connected, and design-led manufacturing. He said digital tools can reduce costs, speed up production, and boost trust in Pakistani products.
Haroon also said Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will benefit the most. They will get access to shared digital platforms and certified labs. This will help them meet global standards and join international supply chains. He stressed that each partnership formed at the summit brings Pakistan closer to global leadership in the manufacturing sector.
Following the PM’s visit to China, Haroon shared that the government is working on industrial relocation and tech transfer. He said the aim is to quickly turn agreements into working industrial clusters. These clusters will produce export-ready goods with modern methods. He also highlighted the launch of a Technical Assistance Center in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to train youth in industrial skills.
In other meetings, Haroon discussed investment plans with the Mirpur Chamber of Commerce and FPCCI. He said that textile, solar, and battery manufacturing are key focus areas. China’s ongoing investment in Pakistan was also praised. Haroon assured business leaders that the government will resolve industrial challenges quickly and continue pushing for digital transformation.