Pakistan should expand investment in petroleum, oil marketing and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure alongside mineral development to strengthen its economy and achieve its long-term growth targets, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Malik Khuda Bakhsh has said.
Welcoming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to making Pakistan one of the world’s major economies by 2050, Khuda Bakhsh said the country needed to focus on domestic processing, value addition and industrial production rather than exporting raw natural resources.
He said Pakistan had significant investment potential in minerals, energy and petroleum, adding that the government should create a business-friendly environment to attract both local and foreign investors.
Petroleum and EV Sectors Need Policy Support
The PPDA chairman said the petroleum sector remained essential to Pakistan’s economy, industrial activities, transportation and commercial operations.
He also highlighted the growing adoption of electric vehicles, saying investment in EV charging stations would be increasingly important to meet future energy and transportation needs.
He called for policy continuity, easier business regulations and access to modern technology to encourage investment in petroleum dealerships, oil marketing and EV charging infrastructure.
According to Khuda Bakhsh, investment in these sectors could create employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.
Focus on Local Processing and Value Addition
Khuda Bakhsh stressed the need to establish domestic refining and processing facilities, strengthen local industries and increase exports of value-added products.
He said long-term policies for the petroleum and EV charging sectors should be developed in consultation with private-sector representatives to address investors’ concerns and support business growth.
He also welcomed Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s stated commitment to ensuring that mineral development benefits local communities and that investors receive adequate security.
He said national development should translate into employment opportunities, industrial expansion, business growth and improved living standards.
Collective Efforts Needed for 2050 Economic Target
The PPDA chairman said achieving Pakistan’s economic ambitions required coordinated efforts by the government, armed forces, business community, industrial sector and private investors.
He expressed hope that the government would continue introducing economic reforms, promoting investment and accelerating industrial development while ensuring opportunities across key economic sectors.
Khuda Bakhsh said Pakistan had natural resources, skilled manpower and entrepreneurial potential, but effective planning and a coordinated national strategy were needed to achieve economic self-reliance and the country’s 2050 development ambitions.