Chinese bus maker Zhongtong Bus Holding Co. Ltd. is set to begin local assembly of its luxury buses in Pakistan by mid-2026, following a newly formalized partnership with Ghandhara Industries Limited (GIL).

A filing submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on November 28 confirms that GIL has “formally signed an agreement with Zhongtong for the introduction and distribution of luxury buses in the Pakistani market.” Under the agreement, GIL will install a dedicated manufacturing line for Zhongtong buses, Gwadar Pro reported on Tuesday.

The disclosure notes that this new line will be “in addition to the Company’s existing bus body fabrication facility, enabling the Company to locally assemble/manufacture these buses in Pakistan.” The documents outline a two-phase rollout timeline. The company expects to launch Completely Built-Up (CBU) luxury buses in Pakistan in the first quarter of 2026.

Local assembly and manufacturing of Zhongtong buses at GIL’s facility are targeted to begin by mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals and the completion of the plant expansion. GIL describes the partnership as a major step in strengthening its product portfolio, stating: “This initiative represents a significant milestone in the Company’s product portfolio expansion and is expected to positively contribute to the Company’s future growth prospects.”

The collaboration positions Zhongtong to deepen its footprint in Pakistan’s transport sector, while enabling GIL to expand its local manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imported heavy vehicles. The filing, signed by the Company Secretary, confirms that plant expansion work is currently underway to meet the 2026 production schedule.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China