Despite high vehicle prices—often exceeding global averages—182 critical safety standards remain entirely ignored, raising serious concerns about road safety and consumer protection.

Committee members expressed strong concern over the manufacture of unsafe vehicles, urging the government to take strict regulatory action against non-compliant automakers.

They emphasized the urgent need for enforcement of global safety norms in Pakistan’s auto industry.

Comparisons were drawn to India and China, where adherence to safety standards has allowed those countries to emerge as major auto exporters, in contrast to Pakistan’s domestic-focused, low-safety production.

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During the session, the Secretary of Industries and Production noted that two airbags are currently a basic requirement in locally manufactured vehicles. However, the committee chairman highlighted that even three prominent foreign brands operating in Pakistan are not fully complying with local safety regulations.

One member of the committee criticized the continued leniency towards automakers that have been operating in Pakistan for decades without meeting essential safety benchmarks, calling for penalties and strict oversight moving forward.