ISLAMABAD – Alarming revelations have rocked Pakistan’s automobile industry as it was disclosed that local car manufacturers are dangerously behind in adopting international safety standards.
In a fiery session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Industry and Production, it was revealed that vehicle producers in Pakistan are following a mere 18 out of 200 globally accepted safety protocols, ignoring a staggering 182 standards entirely.
This startling disclosure sparked outrage among committee members, who slammed the auto industry for manufacturing overpriced and unsafe vehicles. “It’s unacceptable that while countries like India and China are exporting cars globally, Pakistan continues to churn out substandard vehicles that can’t even pass basic international safety benchmarks,” said Chairman Syed Hafeezuddin.
He pointed to the disturbing rise in road accidents across Pakistan, attributing many of them to the glaring absence of essential safety features in locally assembled cars. Hafeezuddin emphasized that manufacturers have a moral and legal responsibility to prioritize the safety of citizens.
Industry officials attempted to defend the sector, noting that the inclusion of dual airbags has been made standard in some models. However, the committee was unimpressed. “That’s not even scratching the surface of what’s required,” retorted committee member Muhammad Ali Sarfaraz. “These companies have been operating in Pakistan for over three decades, and yet they still flout safety norms with impunity.”
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the committee noted that vehicles in Pakistan are not only less safe but also more expensive than international counterparts. Foreign manufacturers operating in the country were especially criticized for exploiting local consumers without delivering on quality or safety.
The committee called for immediate punitive action against companies that fail to meet basic safety standards and urged the Ministry of Industries and Production to set strict deadlines and enforce compliance. In a country like Pakistan, where road safety is already a national challenge, the production of unsafe vehicles adds fuel to a dangerous fire. Lawmakers now demand accountability—and swift reform.