Pakistani automakers urge government to scrap ‘ill-regulated’ used car import schemes
KARACHI: Pakistani automotive industry stakeholders on Thursday urged the government to scrap the "ill-regulated" used car import schemes which were meant to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, saying they are being misused by some “unscrupulous importers.”
Pakistan’s government has long relied on used car import schemes to supplement the domestic auto market, where production constraints, limited model variety, and high prices often restrict consumer choice.
However, successive governments have periodically tightened or revised these schemes to manage foreign exchange pressures and protect local assemblers.
These schemes, typically framed under categories such as personal baggage, gift, or transfer of residence, allow overseas Pakistanis to bring in used vehicles under regulated conditions. While intended to facilitate expatriates and bridge supply gaps, the policies have also shaped the broader automotive landscape by influencing availability and pricing in the local market.
