The number of vehicles in Pakistan has increased by more than 770% over the past 35 years, rising from 4.47 million in 1990 to over 39 million in 2025, according to a study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).
The study, titled More Vehicles, Less Mobility: Understanding the Urban Transport Paradox in Pakistan, was authored by Raheel Hasan Qadar and Irem Batool. It found that the growth was largely driven by private vehicles rather than public transportation.
According to the findings, the number of private vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and jeeps, increased from 1.42 million in 1990 to 35.87 million in 2025. Meanwhile, public transport vehicles, including buses, vans, and rickshaws, along with other vehicle categories, remained relatively stable at around three to four million.
The researchers identified easier access to auto financing as a major factor behind the increase, enabling more households to purchase vehicles through installment plans. Vehicle ownership grew particularly rapidly after 2015, alongside a sharp rise in consumer financing.
The growing number of vehicles has also contributed to air pollution in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. Road transport carbon dioxide emissions increased from approximately 13.8 million tonnes in 1990 to 43.6 million tonnes in 2023.
The study also highlighted the environmental impact of transport in urban areas. Transport accounts for an estimated 81.3% of Lahore’s carbon monoxide emissions, while poor air quality is estimated to reduce the city’s average life expectancy by around seven years. Transport contributes approximately 53% of emissions in Islamabad-Rawalpindi, 51% in Peshawar, and 33% in Karachi.
The researchers warned that expanding roads and building additional flyovers may encourage greater private vehicle use rather than ease traffic congestion. They said such projects could increase travel distances, contribute to urban sprawl, and deepen inequalities for people who depend on public transportation.