Pakistan intends to create a specialized automotive testing center to boost vehicle safety, quality inspections, and certification under the draft Autos and Auto Parts Manufacturing Policy 2026-31.
The planned Pakistan Automotive Testing Institute, known as PATI, will function as a primary center for vehicle type approval and checking automobiles against required environmental, safety, and quality regulations.
Section 4.5.7 of the draft policy states that the Engineering Development Board and the Ministry of Industries and Production will handle setting up the organization.
Authorities do not intend to build every testing capability inside PATI. Rather, the center will concentrate on laboratories that independent commercial evaluators cannot set up profitably.
Pakistan Plans to Adopt 45 More Vehicle Safety Regulations
PATI forms part of a wider initiative to improve regulatory adherence and vehicle safety across the country.
The draft policy notes that Pakistan signed the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 1958 Agreement in April 2020 and has incorporated 62 vehicle regulations under WP.29.
Authorities now suggest taking on 45 extra regulations before the final quarter of 2028. Present environmental and safety rules for imported and domestic vehicles address items like airbags, braking systems, and passenger protection.
The draft policy additionally requests a legal framework for market surveillance, conformity assessments, and vehicle recalls.
It also suggests employing globally certified independent providers for compliance checks when necessary. PATI would supply some testing infrastructure required to back this regulatory system.
Rs. 1.7 Billion Proposed for the Testing Institute
The draft automotive strategy suggests setting aside Rs. 1.7 billion to build PATI. The spending breakdown in its budget appendix includes:
Financial Year 2026-27: Rs. 200 million.
Financial Year 2027-28: Rs. 500 million.
Financial Year 2028-29: Rs. 1 billion.
Total: Rs. 1.7 billion.
