Car Prices in Pakistan: A Financial Burden for Consumers

The cost of purchasing a car in Pakistan is a substantial financial commitment, unlike the relative affordability found in India. Cars accessible to the middle class in India are sold at considerably higher prices in Pakistan. The Maruti Suzuki WagonR, priced at approximately ₹4.98 lakh in India, costs roughly ₹32.14 lakh in Pakistan. Similarly, the Suzuki Alto, with a starting price of ₹3.50 lakh in India, costs over ₹23.31 lakh in Pakistan. This stark contrast underscores the economic burden of car ownership in Pakistan. Contributing factors include limited local production, dependence on imports, high taxes, inflation, and the weakening Pakistani Rupee against the dollar. Car ownership in Pakistan is still viewed as a luxury, while in India, it has become a common necessity.