Page 12 - CMA Journal (Jul-Aug 2026)

E x c lus iv e I nt er v iew

For Pakistan, the opportunity therefore extends A consumer subscription model can further accelerate
beyond increasing EV adoption. It includes developing adoption by separating battery ownership from the
local capabilities in battery technology, diagnostics, vehicle and spreading the battery cost over time. This
battery lifecycle management, recycling, charging can materially lower the upfront cost of an EV and
infrastructure and energy integration. Local make electric mobility more accessible to a wider
partnerships, technical training and knowledge range of consumers. The subscription model can also
sharing could help build the skills and supporting provide users with greater exibility in managing
industries needed for a stronger EV market. battery related costs and access to replacement
With the right policy and investment framework, these batteries.
capabilities could gradually support local However, the model requires su cient initial scale to
manufacturing, strengthen the EV supply chain and achieve economic viability. A successful battery
create new opportunities for technology, services and swapping network would need an adequate number of
skilled employment. Over time, this could help users, strategically located swapping stations,
Pakistan develop a broader EV ecosystem and establish compatible battery standards and reliable supporting
a stronger industrial base that can serve both the infrastructure. With the right critical volume,
domestic market and the wider region. infrastructure and common standards, Pakistan could
ICMA: LMC already operates a diversi ed move towards practical and wider adoption of battery
manufacturing platform with international swapping, helping to accelerate both EV penetration
automotive brands. How can the integration of and the development of a supporting battery
GAC’s technology and global expertise further swapping ecosystem.
strengthen Pakistan’s position within regional
automotive value chains? ICMA: Looking ahead, what strategic shifts do you
believe will shape the future of the automotive
Faisal Sharif: The opportunity is to combine global industry in South Asia, and how can companies and
technology, engineering expertise and quality markets prepare for this transformation?
standards with Pakistan’s industrial capabilities, skilled
talent and regional connectivity. This approach can Faisal Sharif: The future of the South Asian
help local companies move beyond basic assembly automotive industry will be shaped not simply by
towards higher value activities such as component vehicle sales, but by an integrated mobility ecosystem
manufacturing, engineering, testing and technical that combines electri cation, range extension
services. technologies, software de ned vehicles, AI,
Over time, deeper localization can strengthen connectivity, autonomous driving, intelligent
manufacturing, energy integration, localisation and
competitiveness by developing local suppliers, new mobility models. As the industry moves beyond
improving production capabilities and reducing traditional mechanical engineering, supply chains and
reliance on imported components. It can also create production systems will also evolve, creating new
opportunities for skills development, technology
transfer and stronger links between manufacturers and opportunities for technology, infrastructure, talent and
local capability.
ICMA: GAC is expanding its international footprint development and creating sustainable opportunities. local industries. With sustained investment and the For Pakistan, this transformation presents an
right policy support, Pakistan can gradually build a
through greater localization and regional ICMA: With GAC’s expertise in LFP, NMC, and more capable automotive supply chain and position opportunity to move beyond being a market for new
partnerships. What factors are most important in next-generation battery technologies, what itself more meaningfully within regional automotive energy vehicles and become a meaningful participant
successfully building a sustainable business opportunities do you see for Pakistan to develop value chains, serving both the domestic market and in the regional EV value chain. Greater localisation,
ecosystem in emerging markets such as Pakistan? potential export markets. technology transfer, supplier development and new
capabilities around battery technology, lifecycle
Faisal Sharif: Sustainable localization starts with the management, and the wider EV ecosystem? ICMA: The proposed commercial battery-swapping ownership models can help build stronger industrial
right ecosystem, built around strong local infrastructure represents a shift beyond traditional capabilities. Realising this opportunity will require
partnerships, customer focused execution, talent Faisal Sharif: GAC brings distinctive capabilities vehicle sales towards a broader mobility long term commitment, the right ecosystem,
development, supply chain capability and long-term through its self-developed industrial chain and full ecosystem. How do you see such infrastructure investment in skills and infrastructure, and su cient
commitment. It requires businesses to understand stack independent R&D, covering batteries, electric shaping the future of mobility in Pakistan? scale to convert technology adoption into sustainable
local market needs, work closely with local partners drives and energy systems. Its proprietary Magazine Faisal Sharif: Battery swapping can fundamentally industrial capability. Companies and markets that
and customers, and invest in developing local skills Battery is designed to provide a high level of safety and reshape EV economics by reducing charging downtime build these capabilities early will be better positioned
to participate in the emerging regional mobility
and capabilities. The objective is not simply to enter a has recorded more than 1.3 million installations and and increasing vehicle utilization. Instead of waiting ecosystem.
market, but to build lasting local capacity, strengthen over 50 billion kilometers of safe travel. These for a battery to charge, users can replace a depleted
the value chain and create shared value. Over time, this capabilities give GAC experience across key areas of battery with a fully charged one in a short period, The Editorial Board thanks Mr. Faisal Sharif, Director-South
approach helps businesses become more responsive the electric mobility value chain, rather than focusing allowing vehicles to remain in use for longer. This can Asia Region, GAC Group for sparing his precious time to give an
to local needs while supporting economic only on vehicle manufacturing. be particularly valuable for commercial and high usage exclusive interview for Chartered Management Accountant
vehicles where time spent charging directly a ects Journal.
productivity.

10 ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Jul-Aug 2026