CCP seeks rationalisation of protections to boost competition in Pakistan’s auto sector

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has called for sweeping structural reforms in the country’s automobile sector, warning that regulatory distortions, high entry barriers, and policy inconsistencies continue to stifle competition and limit consumer benefits despite decades of protectionist support.

The CCP has released a comprehensive report, “The Road to Fair Competition – A Study of Pakistan’s Automobile Industry,” highlighting structural and regulatory challenges in the sector and recommending wide-ranging reforms, including a long-term policy roadmap, improved vehicle financing, and removal of regulatory distortions to foster competition and efficiency.

The automobile industry remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing around 2.8% to GDP and employing more than 215,000 people directly. As a key segment of Large-Scale Manufacturing, it plays an important role in industrial growth, technology transfer, and domestic value addition, particularly in the passenger car segment, including emerging electric vehicles.

The CCP study finds that despite successive policy interventions, the passenger car market remains concentrated in several engine categories due to high entry barriers, capital-intensive requirements, and regulatory complexities.

While past protectionist policies helped establish domestic manufacturing, prolonged tariff protections and localisation measures have not consistently translated into competitive outcomes or export-led growth.

The report also highlights fragmentation in the regulatory framework, with overlapping institutional mandates and policy inconsistencies affecting investment and industry development.

Although previous auto policies aimed to increase localisation, attract new entrants, and promote exports, structural rigidities, policy reversals, and weak implementation limited their effectiveness.

To address affordability constraints and stimulate demand, the CCP has recommended expanding access to auto financing by reviewing restrictive financing limits and introducing targeted, subsidised schemes for first-time buyers in coordination with financial regulators.

The study emphasises the need for a predictable and coordinated transition toward electric vehicles, noting that inadequate charging infrastructure, limited domestic production capacity, and reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity remain key barriers.

It stresses that sustained policy consistency and infrastructure investment will be critical to attract long-term private investment in the EV ecosystem.

The report observes the absence of a comprehensive vehicle scrappage and phase-out policy and recommends the introduction of a structured disposal scheme to address environmental concerns, improve road safety, and stimulate demand through the gradual removal of obsolete and high-emission vehicles.

The CCP has also called for strengthening domestic vendor development through transparent and non-discriminatory localisation policies to enhance industrial linkages and integrate Pakistan’s auto sector into global supply chains.

To create a level playing field, the commission recommends gradual rationalisation of distortive protections, removal of regulatory asymmetries, and adoption of stable, pro-competition policies to encourage investment, innovation, and efficiency.

The CCP noted that a competitive automobile industry can deliver significant benefits to consumers and the economy, including lower prices, improved quality, greater choice, and enhanced export potential.

The commission expressed hope that the study will inform policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders and support the development of a modern, competitive, and globally integrated automobile sector in Pakistan.