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The Government of Pakistan is moving to regulate the import of used vehicles. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a new framework to address safety concerns and protect local manufacturing.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, confirmed the development. He met with a delegation from the auto industry today to discuss the challenges facing the sector. Secretary Industries Saif Anjum and Engineering Development Board CEO Hammad Mansoor also attended the detailed meeting.
During the session, Haroon Akhtar Khan assured stakeholders that the government is fully aware of their concerns. He emphasised that the new legislation will ensure only vehicles meeting strict safety and environmental standards enter Pakistan. Khan stated:
Only those used vehicles that meet safety and environmental standards will be allowed to enter Pakistan.
Furthermore, he noted that open competition is essential. This approach will drive the auto sector toward efficiency and low-cost local manufacturing. The new regulations aim to ensure transparency and merit-based competition in the auto market.
Secretary Industries Saif Anjum outlined specific requirements for commercial imports. He confirmed that existing rules regarding overseas residency will remain mandatory.
Specifically, importers must prove three years of overseas residency. Additionally, the vehicle must be registered under the owner’s name for at least one year.
To strictly enforce quality, the government will now verify safety standards through pre-shipment inspections.
Representatives from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) welcomed the dialogue. They emphasised that tax reforms and effective control over used car imports are vital for stabilising domestic production.
The delegation cautioned that liberal import policies could undermine the hard-earned gains of the local industry. They argued that these new measures are necessary to secure the future of Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing sector.
