News & Insights

Pakistan’s passenger-car market finished FY26 with materially stronger cumulative sales. Reporting based on PAMA figures placed full-year passenger-car sales at 155,631 units, compared with 112,203 a year earlier. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2025–26 independently shows car production rising 51.3% during July–March, while LCV, jeep, SUV and pickup production increased 24%.

For a buyer, recovery does not mean every vehicle is automatically good value. Compare the exact variant, delivery status, registration position, maintenance support and resale demand. A rising market can contain both strong opportunities and overpriced stock.

FBR notification S.R.O. 1065(I)/2026 specifies a 30% regulatory duty on commercial imports of used vehicles covered by the relevant Import Policy Order provision. The notification says this duty is in addition to regulatory duty under S.R.O. 1064(I)/2026.

This should not be simplified into “every used car became 30% more expensive.” Commercial imports, personal baggage, gift and transfer-of-residence routes have different conditions. Before buying an imported vehicle, ask for its goods declaration or import documentation, confirm duties are paid and obtain professional advice for the exact route and vehicle.

The New Energy Vehicles Policy 2025–30 targets NEVs at 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030. It covers more than passenger cars: e-bikes, three-wheelers, commercial vehicles, buses and trucks are part of the transition, alongside support for charging infrastructure and local production.

Karachi buyers should assess real charging access, battery and motor warranty, thermal management, parts supply, technician capability and resale support. Incentives can help the purchase price, but long-term service readiness determines whether an EV or hybrid fits an owner’s routine.

Fuel prices changed sharply during 2026, reinforcing why a purchase should be tested against several price scenarios. Estimate annual kilometres, realistic Karachi traffic economy and the difference between recommended and available fuel grades.

Add scheduled maintenance, tyres, insurance, token tax, expected repairs and depreciation. A more efficient car can still cost more overall if its parts, insurance or resale position are substantially weaker. Recalculate whenever official petroleum prices change.

Start with Sindh Excise’s online vehicle-verification service, but do not stop there. Match the registration number, make, model and ownership record with the physical documents and the seller’s identity. Inspect chassis and engine identifiers for consistency and signs of alteration.

Confirm tax status, transfer requirements, duplicate-document history and any applicable smart card or return-file documents. Use a written sale agreement and avoid paying a non-refundable token until identity, ownership and the vehicle itself have been independently checked.

Request a proper diagnostic scan and compare battery-block voltages under load. Check stored hybrid-system codes, battery temperature readings, cooling-fan cleanliness and evidence of water or accident damage around the battery area.

Road-test the car from cold and warm conditions, watching for abnormal charge swings, warning lights or harsh transitions. Ask for repair history and warranty documentation. A dashboard with no warning light is not a substitute for measured battery-health evidence.