In Karachi, some vehicles, notably SUVs escorted by Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, easily navigate amidst dense traffic. The Hilux, recognized for its power and affluence, now symbolizes societal status and intimidation due to pronounced class divisions.
“The presence of a Hilux implies importance,” stated 40-year-old politician Usman Perhyar. “It combines showiness with security and space for several passengers in its open cargo bed,” he added. Hiluxes aggressively clear their path on Karachi’s roads, signalling other drivers to yield.
Originally favoured by rural elites for its durability, the Hilux has gained urban popularity as a protective vehicle. Business owners and security personnel often use it, with guards armed and concealed in the back.
“It’s a status symbol to have Hiluxes as escorts,” Karachi car dealer Fahad Nazir explained. Introduced in 1968, the popular mid-2000s Hilux Vigo, later upgraded to the Revo, commands a price between Rs10-15 million and retains high resale value.
The demand for Hilux rentals spikes during election times. “Elections can’t be run without a Revo,” asserted PTI MPA Sajjad Ali Soomro. PML-N’s Ali Warraich finds the vehicle essential for navigating off-road to attend numerous social events.
“Politics is nearly impossible without this vehicle,” Warraich claimed, suggesting that lacking such a vehicle could diminish his perceived influence.
The SUV also has a darker association with covert operations, often termed “Dala” in such contexts. Activists highlight its use in abducting dissenters, a practice noted by courts. Islamabad High Court Justice Babar Sattar pointed to its frequent role in disappearances.
Experiences of being detained in unmarked Hiluxes have left deep scars on individuals like a PTI member who recalls the trauma every time he sees the vehicle.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan criticized using the Hilux, or “Vigo Dala,” in political manoeuvres, implying that it was instrumental in manipulating election outcomes.
The vehicle’s imposing presence even deters street criminals, noted automobile enthusiast Zohaib Khan. Despite increased security measures slowing traffic, Hiluxes often bypass police checks, reinforcing their powerful image.
