Pakistan Adds 45 New Car Safety Standards

Pakistan’s auto policy has reportedly added 45 more vehicle safety standards, and the announcement was made in Islamabad on November 7, 2026. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, said the measures are tied to the United Nations WP.29 code, but the full rulebook, enforcement date, and covered vehicle categories are still not public.

What was announced in Islamabad

The clearest point so far is this: Pakistan is talking about stronger car safety rules, not just lower prices or more local assembly. In the reported press conference, Haroon Akhtar Khan said vehicle safety is one of six pillars of the auto policy, alongside affordability, exports, localization, electric-vehicle adoption and transparency. Attaullah Tarar was also reported to be present at the event. For background, read our earlier coverage: Punjab Plans New Road Safety Measures on Highways.

The big headline is the number itself — 45 additional safety standards. But that number alone does not tell us what will actually change for buyers. We still do not know the full list of standards, which models they will apply to, or when they will start being checked in the market.

A separate report by reportedly Haroon Akhtar Khan described compliant vehicles as being among the “world’s safest vehicles.” That is an official claim, not proof. To judge that claim, we would need the actual standards, the test method, and the results on specific vehicles.

What WP.29 means for buyers

The announcement says the new standards are aligned with UN WP.29. That sounds technical, but the simple meaning is this: Pakistan is pointing toward an international vehicle regulation system rather than making up rules from scratch.

That still does not mean every car in Pakistan now meets global safety levels. Alignment with a framework is not the same as formal adoption, and adoption is not the same as real-world compliance by every car on sale. For buyers, the main question is whether the government will publish a clear notification with test and certification rules that dealers must follow.

If you’re shopping for a family car, the important thing is not the slogan. It’s whether the car you’re about to buy has the safety gear it should have. We covered a related policy angle in LHC Seeks Replies on Small-Car Safety in Pakistan, which shows how safety has been moving up the public-policy agenda for some time now.

What it could mean for new car buyers

For now, don’t assume showroom cars will change overnight. No official implementation date has been confirmed, and no model list has been shared. That means prices, standard equipment, and delivery terms are still unclear.

Before booking a new car, ask the dealer for written details on:

• airbags and seat-belt setup

• ABS availability

• stability control, if fitted

• official safety certification, if any

• any model-specific compliance document

If a sales rep makes a safety claim, ask for paperwork. A brochure line is not enough when the stakes are your family’s safety.

What it means for used car buyers

Used-car buyers should be even more careful. The reported policy does not say how older vehicles will be checked, whether they will be retested, or whether any transition period will be given. So for now, the roadworthiness of a used car still depends on your own inspection.

Check the basics closely:

• accident and repair history

• seat-belt condition

• airbag presence and warning lights

• brake performance

• chassis damage

• service and inspection records

If the history is unclear, get a mechanic or inspection shop to look at it before you pay. The policy announcement does not automatically make an old car safer.

What still needs to be cleared up

Before this becomes a practical rule for buyers and makers, the government still needs to answer a few simple questions:

• Which body will test and certify vehicles?

• Will the standards cover locally assembled, imported new, and used vehicles?

• Will there be exemptions or a transition period?

• Will the full list of 45 standards be published?

• Will there be penalties for non-compliance?

• Will buyers be able to verify compliance easily?

Those details will decide whether this is a real safety upgrade or just a policy statement for now.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s reported move toward 45 additional vehicle safety standards is worth watching, because stronger rules could improve protection on daily roads. But right now, the announcement is still just that — an announcement. The exact standards, effective date, testing authority, and impact on prices and used cars remain unconfirmed, so buyers should ask for documented safety specs and wait for the government’s official notification before assuming the rules are already in force.

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