LHC Seeks Replies on Small-Car Safety in Pakistan

The Lahore High Court has asked the federal and Punjab governments to submit replies in a petition that wants basic safety equipment made compulsory in small cars sold in Pakistan. reportedly this is still a court proceeding, not a new nationwide safety rule.

Justice Ajmal Zahid heard the public interest case and gave the respondents two weeks to file their reports. The case names the federal government through the Engineering Development Board, the Punjab government, the provincial transport secretary, the inspector general of police, and two car makers.

Reportedly, the petition was first filed in 2019 by a non-governmental organisation. It argues that many small cars sold in Pakistan do not come with key safety items such as working airbags and rear seat belts.

The petition also links the case to the death of the son of former federal minister Qamar Zaman Kaira in a road accident. reportedly the petition claims the airbags in the vehicle involved did not open in the crash. These claims are still before the court and have not been treated as final findings.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer said car buyers in Pakistan are often left with vehicles that lack basic protection. He also told the court that notices had been issued for years, but replies were still not submitted. The lawyer asked the court to seek accident records related to missing or faulty safety gear and to direct compensation for affected families.

The petition further wants the court to order two major car makers to install essential safety features at their own cost. That request, if accepted later, could affect how cars are built, checked, and sold in Pakistan. But for now, no such order has been made.

For buyers, the case is worth watching because it puts small-car safety under judicial review. If the court later gives directions, it could lead to stricter rules on airbags, seat belts, testing, and compliance. Until then, current car specifications remain unchanged unless the government or court says otherwise.

Anyone booking a small car should still check the exact variant sheet before paying a deposit. Ask the dealer how many airbags are included, whether rear seat belts are fitted, and whether they are usable in the model being sold. Do not rely only on ads or sales talk.

For readers following wider auto policy changes, DrivePK has also covered related regulatory moves in the market, including Pakistan NEV Industry Seeks Auto Policy 2026-31, which offers useful background on how policy shifts can affect the local auto industry.

The next hearing is expected after two weeks, when the named respondents are due to appear with their reports. Until then, the petition remains an allegation under review, not a confirmed rule change.

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