The government is formulating new legislation and a stricter regulatory framework to control the import of used vehicles. This aims to safeguard Pakistan’s domestic automotive industry and manufacturing base.
Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, met with a delegation from the auto industry. Representatives from the Pakistan Auto Manufacturers Association emphasised to the government that comprehensive tax reforms and stricter regulations on used-car imports were essential. These actions are needed to stabilise local production. They cautioned that liberal import policies were undermining the domestic industry’s progress. Additionally, they noted it was weakening vendor networks and discouraging new investment.
Read: OICCI Urges Government to Hike Duties on Imported Used Cars
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan acknowledged the auto sector’s vital role in large-scale manufacturing and assured the delegation that the government was actively addressing their concerns at the highest level. He said the government, following the Prime Minister’s directives, is introducing new laws and regulations to resolve issues linked to used-vehicle imports.
“Only used vehicles that meet safety and environmental standards will enter Pakistan,” Khan said. He added that well-regulated competition will enhance industry efficiency, promote cost-competitive local manufacturing, and strengthen consumer protection through stricter oversight.
Secretary Industries Saif Anjum confirmed that key existing safeguards for commercial imports would remain in place. These include the requirement that importers have 3 years of overseas residency. They must also have at least 1 year of vehicle registration in their name.
