CAP Calls for Mandatory International Safety Standards for Vehicles

Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Kaukab Iqbal has called for mandatory international safety, environmental and technical standards for all imported, used and locally manufactured or assembled vehicles in Pakistan.

Iqbal welcomed the Engineering Development Board (EDP) notification issued on September 30, 2026. He said the adoption of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations for relevant categories of used vehicles was an important step.

However, he stressed that effective implementation, monitoring and transparent enforcement would determine whether the measures improve consumer safety.

CAP Seeks Thorough Vehicle Inspections

Iqbal said commercially imported vehicles should undergo comprehensive inspections before entering Pakistan. The checks should cover accident history, odometer authenticity, engine condition, emissions and noise levels.

OpenAI AI Agents Accused of Obscuring Activity Across Government Websites

He also called for inspections of vehicle glass, airbags, interior and exterior condition, manufacturing dates and compliance with applicable technical standards.

The CAP chairman urged the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to apply internationally recognised safety standards equally to imported and locally assembled vehicles.

“There should be no double standards when it comes to consumer safety,” Iqbal said, adding that every vehicle should meet recognised safety and technical requirements regardless of its origin.

Focus on Critical Safety Components

Iqbal said critical components such as braking systems, airbags, seat belts, vehicle structures, safety glass, lighting systems and emission controls should meet clearly defined and enforceable standards.

He also stressed that pre-shipment inspections under the EDP notification should involve more than documentation.

According to Iqbal, inspection certificates issued by internationally accredited bodies registered with PSQCA should accurately reflect a vehicle’s actual condition. He called for effective verification of those certificates.

Consumer Information and Enforcement

The CAP chairman said buyers should receive complete, accurate and verifiable information before purchasing a vehicle.

He called for strict action under applicable laws against the concealment of accident histories, odometer tampering, undisclosed safety defects and misleading information about a vehicle’s condition.

Iqbal also urged EDP, PSQCA and other relevant authorities to establish stronger coordination, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

He said Pakistan’s automobile industry and vehicle trade remain important, but consumer safety and rights should not be compromised.

“Every Pakistani consumer has the right to purchase a vehicle that is safe, reliable, properly inspected and compliant with internationally recognized standards,” Iqbal said.

He added that CAP would continue advocating for consumer rights, vehicle safety, transparency, quality standards and stronger regulatory enforcement.