Pakistan Gift Scheme Used Car Imports Hit 2,238

Gift Scheme used car imports in Pakistan jumped from just 7 vehicles in May to 2,238 in September 2026, according to a source report citing PAMA. The sharp rise has raised fresh concern for local buyers, dealers, and car makers, because it suggests a much bigger flow of imported used cars into the market in a very short time.

According to a source report, PAMA says Gift Scheme vehicles made up nearly 98% of all used car imports in September. The report does not give a full vehicle-by-vehicle breakdown, and it should be treated as a market signal rather than a full government import record. Still, the size of the jump is hard to ignore.

Gift Scheme imports jumped sharply in one month

The figures show a clear change in pace. In May, the Gift Scheme brought in only 7 used cars. By September, that number had climbed to 2,238. If the reported share is correct, the Gift Scheme was almost the whole used-import market that month.

That matters because imported used cars can change the balance in Pakistan’s auto market. More supply can lift choice for buyers, but it can also put pressure on local dealers and on assemblers that already face weak demand and policy uncertainty. Buyers comparing a local used car with an imported one may find more options in some segments, but the final cost still depends on model year, condition, customs duty, registration charges, and shipping expense.

For background on how the import framework has changed this year, see Pakistan PSI Relief for Used Car Imports: New 2026 Rules.

Why the market is watching the Ministry of Commerce

According to source reports, PAMA has urged the Ministry of Commerce to review the situation. That call comes at a time when policy pressure is rising on two sides: overseas Pakistani import privileges are still under scrutiny, while consumers want more vehicle choice and local manufacturers want protection from a flood of imported used stock.

The report says PAMA wants the government to look at the surge and assess whether the rules are encouraging import growth faster than expected. But that is not the same as a government decision. So far, the available reports only show a call for review, not a confirmed policy change.

A key question is whether the rise came from faster approvals, changes in eligibility checks, or simply a short-term rush before possible policy action. The source report does not confirm which of these factors, if any, drove the increase.

What buyers should do now

For buyers, the main point is simple: a rise in imports does not mean bargain prices are guaranteed. A used imported car can still be costly once duty, registration, and repair needs are added.

Anyone planning to buy should check the full paper trail first:

• import and customs documents

• registration status

• ownership history

• inspection and condition report

• any transfer or resale limits that may apply

If you need a car right away, you can still buy, but only after checking legality and mechanical condition carefully. If your purchase is not urgent, it may be wiser to wait for more clarity on policy and supply.

For more context on the wider market impact, read Used Car Imports Hit Record High, Is Pakistan's Auto Industry in Trouble?.

The bigger message from the September figures is that Pakistan’s used car market may be entering a more uncertain phase. The next move from the Ministry of Commerce will matter more than guesswork based on one month’s numbers.

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