Pakistan’s local automobile market is facing mounting criticism over inadequate safety features, outdated technology and weak regulatory oversight, even as demand for locally manufactured vehicles continues to surge due to high prices of imported cars and rising taxes.
Despite strong sales, many locally assembled vehicles still lack basic safety features that are now considered standard globally. Alarmingly, several models on Pakistani roads continue to be sold without airbags, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), or advanced safety mechanisms. Industry observers note that some designs currently in production are based on decades-old platforms, with minimal upgrades in safety or performance.
Automobile experts and consumer rights advocates have repeatedly pointed out the absence of effective government monitoring and strict enforcement of safety standards. Unlike developed markets where crash tests and safety ratings are mandatory, Pakistan currently lacks a robust New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with binding legal enforcement. As a result, manufacturers face little pressure to improve safety despite charging premium prices.
At the same time, the functionality and modern features expected by consumers—such as electronic stability control, multiple airbags, smart infotainment systems, and fuel efficiency enhancements—remain largely missing from locally produced small and mid-range vehicles.
While local manufacturers dominate the market, imported used vehicles continue to be in demand because of their better safety features, superior build quality, and advanced technology. However, the heavy taxation on imported cars has made them largely unaffordable for middle-class consumers.
Economic analysts and auto industry stakeholders are now urging the government to reduce taxes on used imported cars to increase competition and provide safer alternatives to consumers. They argue that lowering import duties would not only benefit buyers but also force local manufacturers to improve quality, safety standards, and pricing structures.
“There is an urgent need for regulatory reform in Pakistan’s auto sector. Without strict safety checks and standard enforcement, public lives remain at risk,” said an automotive safety expert. “Reducing duties on imported used vehicles can create healthy competition and push local assemblers to upgrade their offerings.”
Consumers also continue to raise concerns over the high prices of locally assembled cars, which have skyrocketed over the past few years due to currency depreciation, increased production costs, and supply chain disruptions—yet without a matching improvement in safety and features.
Experts warn that without serious policy intervention, Pakistan’s auto sector may continue to lag behind global safety benchmarks. They recommend immediate implementation of mandatory safety requirements, regular compliance audits, transparent crash testing systems, and a rational import taxation policy to protect consumers and improve overall industry standards.
