New, used car imports surge 36pc in July-Aug

Car imports, both new and used, grew 36 per cent over July and August 2026, reaching $81.4 million compared with $59m a year earlier, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data cited by Dawn. Dawn linked the trend to new entrants bringing models in ahead of local assembly, even though a January decision scrapped the baggage route for used vehicles. Mandatory pre-shipment inspections were also introduced for gift and transfer-of-residence imports.

Indus Motor Company, citing its FY26 annual report, noted that the baggage ban had begun to work, as used vehicle arrivals fell from 42,000 units in FY25 to roughly 38,000 in FY26. Dealers were still finding ways in, according to former Paapam chairman Aamir Allawala, who pointed to official figures that moved between schemes. Used car imports totalled 1,445 units in August, of which 1,406 came under the gift scheme.