In a recent address during the 27th National Standards Committee meeting on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), Engr. Asim Ayaz, representative of the Engineering Development Board (EDB), announced a significant policy proposal aimed at aligning Pakistan’s automotive safety standards with international benchmarks.
Engr. Ayaz stated that EDB has proposed an amendment in the national auto policy to consider the adoption of equivalent Chinese GB standards, as China is currently harmonizing its regulatory framework with the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). “With consultation from PAMA, we are reviewing other WP.29 UN Regulations (UNRs) for phased implementation over the next five years,” he said.
He added that the selection of applicable UNRs, particularly those relevant to heavy vehicles, will be initially undertaken by EDB. These standards will then be harmonized, notified, and implemented at the national level through the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
Ayaz also highlighted an evolving institutional framework, noting that previously, PSQCA was under the Ministry of Industries and Production. The idea of having a single authority for both standard development and enforcement was discussed, but he clarified that “This is a broader policy decision beyond the mandate of this committee.”
Implementation of 17 UNRs is already in effect. Providing an update on regulatory enforcement, Engr. Ayaz shared that EDB has already selected 17 UNRs covering Cars, SUVs, and Buses, which are now being fully implemented by all local auto assemblers at the manufacturing stage.
“All vehicle manufacturers in Pakistan are required to submit third-party or OEM certificates to verify compliance,” he said. As a concrete example of progress, he noted that airbags are now standard for the front seats in all locally assembled cars, a feature that was previously absent in models like the Suzuki Mehran.
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