Pakistan has recorded a dramatic surge in used vehicle imports following recent changes to import regulations.
Government data shows that 2,276 used vehicles entered the country in September 2026. Only 48 vehicles were imported in May.
This represents an extraordinary increase of around 4,642 percent within just four months.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review the sharp rise in used car imports.
Officials briefed the meeting about vehicles entering Pakistan through commercial imports and gift schemes.
The government also examined the potential impact of rising imports on Pakistan’s domestic automobile industry.
Sources said regulations covering used vehicle imports are expected to become part of the upcoming Auto Policy.
Local automobile manufacturers have expressed serious concerns over the growing number of imported used cars.
They believe continued growth in imports could reduce demand for locally assembled vehicles and weaken their market share.
Pakistan’s automotive sector has invested heavily in local assembly operations, production facilities and dealership networks.
Manufacturers fear that easier access to imported vehicles could create additional pressure on domestic production.
Used car importers, however, have presented a different argument.
They say increased imports could improve competition in the market. More imported vehicles could also provide Pakistani consumers with a wider range of choices.
Consumers could potentially benefit from greater variety across different vehicle categories and price segments.
The government is now expected to consider concerns from both local manufacturers and vehicle importers before finalising new regulations.
The upcoming Auto Policy could determine how Pakistan balances consumer choice, vehicle imports and protection for domestic automobile production.
The sharp increase in September imports has now placed used cars at the centre of Pakistan’s automotive policy debate.
