An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Anwar ul Haq, Chairman, Mecatech Group
Mecatech has emerged as one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing engineering companies, carving a strong position in a highly competitive industrial landscape. Under the leadership of its Chairman, Mr. Anwar ul Haq, the company has expanded into multiple new ventures while making a conscious shift toward local manufacturing a move aimed not only at business growth but also at supporting Pakistan’s economy.
In an exclusive conversation with Engineering Post, Mr. Anwar ul Haq shared insights into Mecatech’s journey, the challenges faced by local manufacturers, and his views on industry platforms and the next generation of engineers.
Talking about Mecatech’s growth strategy, Mr. Anwar emphasized the importance of indigenization. “We deliberately moved towards local manufacturing because it is the only sustainable way to strengthen the country’s economy,” he said. “If we want Pakistan to progress industrially, we must reduce dependence on imports and build strong local brands.”
However, he was candid about the hurdles involved. According to Mr. Anwar, government policies remain one of the biggest challenges for local manufacturers. “There is virtually no meaningful support from the government for companies that want to manufacture locally,” he explained. “From high custom duties on raw materials to additional taxes, it becomes extremely difficult to establish a local brand exporting to other countries feels like a distant dream.”
He stressed that incentives are critical if Pakistan wants to develop a robust industrial base. “The government should actively work on providing incentives for local manufacturers,” he said. “Without policy support, local industry cannot compete with imported products.”
Highlighting a structural gap in the economy, Mr. Anwar pointed out the absence of a well-developed cottage industry. “There is no proper cottage industry in Pakistan,” he noted. “This means that anyone manufacturing locally has to develop everything from scratch, which significantly increases cost and complexity. Over time, this discourages innovation and growth.”
Sharing his perspective on industry platforms, Mr. Anwar spoke about the role of the Pakistan HVACR Society (PHVACR) and its annual expos. He acknowledged the value of these exhibitions but also offered constructive criticism. “The Karachi expo is good because many industrialists attend it, and Lahore also attracts a lot of professional participation,” he said.
He further added that high participation costs are a major concern. “PHVACR should focus more on facilitating exhibitors by reducing their rates,” he remarked. “It is currently one of the most expensive exhibitions in Pakistan, which limits participation, especially from smaller or emerging companies.”
Commenting on the future of the industry, Mr. Anwar shared advice for young engineers entering the field. “The new generation should focus on gaining as much practical experience as possible,” he said. “Wherever they work, they should work honestly and sincerely.” He also highlighted professional ethics, adding, “When they decide to leave a job, they should always leave on good terms. Reputation and integrity matter a lot in this industry.”
With a strong belief in local manufacturing and a clear vision for industry reform, Mr. Anwar ul Haq continues to steer Mecatech toward growth while advocating for policies that can enable Pakistan’s engineering sector to truly thrive.
