Number of Vehicles in Pakistan Increases by Over 770% in 35 Years

In a recent study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), it was revealed that the number of vehicles in Pakistan has skyrocketed by over 770% over the past 35 years. In 1990, there were just 4.47 million vehicles, but by 2025, this figure had surged to over 39 million. The study, titled 'More Vehicles, Less Mobility: Understanding the Urban Transport Paradox in Pakistan', was conducted by Raheel Hasan Qadar and Irem Batool.

According to the findings, private vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and jeeps, saw a massive increase from 1.42 million in 1990 to 35.87 million in 2025. In contrast, public transport vehicles like buses, vans, rickshaws, and others remained largely unchanged, hovering around three to four million. The researchers attributed the surge in vehicle numbers largely to easier access to auto financing, which made it possible for more households to purchase cars through installment payments.

This surge in vehicle ownership particularly accelerated after 2015, coinciding with a sharp rise in consumer financing. The increasing number of vehicles has had a significant environmental impact. Road transport carbon dioxide emissions, for instance, have risen from around 13.8 million tonnes in 1990 to a staggering 43.6 million tonnes in 2023.

The growth in vehicle numbers has also led to worsening air pollution in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. Carbon dioxide emissions from transport have been found to account for approximately 81.3% of Lahore’s estimated carbon monoxide emissions, contributing to a reduction in average life expectancy by around seven years in the city.

The study also warned that widening roads and constructing more flyovers might actually encourage greater private vehicle use, rather than reducing congestion. These projects could potentially increase travel distances, contribute to urban sprawl, and exacerbate inequalities for those who rely on public transportation.