Pakistan’s total number of vehicles has surged by more than 770% over the past 35 years, increasing 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 sharp rise reflects the country’s growing dependence on road transportation, with private vehicles accounting for the largest share of the increase.
Researchers found that vehicle ownership expanded particularly rapidly after 2015, partly due to easier access to auto financing.
In comparison, public transport and other vehicle categories remained relatively stable, with their combined numbers staying at around three to four million, highlighting the growing gap between private vehicle ownership and other forms of transportation.
The rapid expansion of road transport has also contributed to rising carbon emissions. According to the study, carbon dioxide emissions from road transportation increased from approximately 13.8 million tonnes in 1990 to 43.6 million tonnes in 2023.
The findings highlight growing concerns about environmental pollution, traffic congestion and the need for more efficient and sustainable public transportation systems in Pakistan.
