In a landmark move aimed at protecting consumers and bringing the local automobile industry closer to global standards, Pakistan will begin enforcing 57 new international car safety standards from October.
At present, only 17 safety benchmarks are applied to vehicles manufactured in the country, leaving a wide gap between Pakistan’s market and international practices.
According to official sources, this step is not only part of Pakistan’s reform commitments under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program but also a long-awaited response to consumer demands for safer vehicles.
For decades, critics have accused car assemblers of charging high prices while compromising on basic safety features such as airbags, crash protection, and modern braking systems.
To ensure compliance, the government has decided to establish the Pakistan Automotive Institute, which will be responsible for monitoring and certifying the quality of locally manufactured auto parts. This move is expected to strengthen accountability and reduce the prevalence of substandard components in the market.
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Another key decision is the ban on importing accidental “Type-D” vehicles, which often flood the market at lower prices but pose safety risks. Similarly, unverified new vehicles will no longer be allowed for sale, and local manufacturers will be required to obtain certification directly from their headquarters to confirm product quality.
Oversight will now rest with the Engineering Development Board (EDB), which is going to issue licenses for all vehicle imports and sales. Importantly, companies will also be legally obligated to recall defective vehicles or parts. Failure to comply could result in heavy fines and even prison sentences of up to three years for company executives.
The government has also finalized legislation for dumping control and local manufacturing to further protect consumers and encourage a more competitive domestic industry.
Looking ahead, all new vehicles sold in Pakistan from 2025 onward will fall under the Motor Vehicle Industry Development Act 2025, marking a complete overhaul of the regulatory framework of the country.
For Pakistani consumers, these changes are clearly depicting a ray of hope for safer and better-quality vehicles.
While challenges are still there in ensuring strict enforcement, the new standards could transform the country’s auto industry and finally align it with international safety norms.