Why Does Pakistan Use Right-Hand Drive Cars? A Historical and Practical Perspective

Like several other countries, Pakistan uses right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles where drivers sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road. This system may seem unique to some, especially for those from countries where the opposite driving configuration is the norm. But there’s a logical explanation for why this system prevails in Pakistan. This post will explore the historical, practical, and logistical reasons Pakistan uses right-hand drive cars.

1. Historical Influence of British Colonial Rule

One of the most significant reasons Pakistan has right-hand drive vehicles is its colonial past. The Indian subcontinent was under British rule for almost 200 years, and during that time, the British Empire implemented its own driving system—left-hand traffic (LHT), where cars drive on the left side of the road. This system, along with many other regulations, was passed down to the countries in the region, including Pakistan after it gained independence in 1947.

Britain, which also drives on the left side of the road, has maintained this system in many of its former colonies. Countries like India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa also follow this system, which is why Pakistan’s roads are designed for left-hand driving, necessitating the use of RHD vehicles.

2. Consistency Across South Asia: 

Many countries in South Asia, including Pakistan's neighbours like India and Bangladesh, use the same system of left-hand traffic. Having a consistent driving system across the region makes cross-border travel more practical and safer. Imagine the complications and risks involved if countries close had opposite driving systems. For instance, someone driving from Pakistan to India would face confusion if India used a different system, leading to potential accidents. By sticking to a common system, regional travel becomes easier and more efficient.

3. Vehicle Imports from Japan

A key practical reason why Pakistan continues to use RHD cars is the dominance of vehicle imports from Japan, a major car manufacturer and exporter to Pakistan. Japan, which also drives on the left side of the road, manufactures RHD cars, and since Pakistan relies heavily on car imports from Japan, the RHD system aligns with the available supply of vehicles.

Japan is one of the largest suppliers of used and new cars to Pakistan. The affordability and reliability of Japanese cars have made them highly popular, with models like Toyota, Suzuki, and Honda dominating Pakistan’s roads. Switching to a different system would make importing vehicles more complicated and expensive, as Pakistan would need to source left-hand drive cars from different regions.

4. Road Infrastructure and Traffic Design

Pakistan’s road infrastructure has been built to support left-hand traffic, from the placement of road signs and traffic signals to the design of intersections and roundabouts. Changing the traffic system to right-hand traffic (RHT) would require a complete overhaul of the infrastructure. This transition could be costly and lead to chaos on the roads, as drivers and pedestrians would need to adjust to a completely new system.

Other countries that switched driving systems, like Sweden in 1967, incurred significant costs and faced major logistical challenges. Pakistan, with its existing infrastructure and reliance on RHD cars, finds it more efficient to maintain the current system.

5. Cultural and Regional Preferences

In addition to the logistical and historical factors, there is a cultural and regional aspect to the preference for RHD cars in Pakistan. Most drivers in Pakistan have been accustomed to right-hand drive vehicles for generations. Shifting to a new system could disrupt decades of driving habits, making the roads less safe until the public fully adapts. It’s not just about the cars themselves but about ingrained behaviours, such as how people approach intersections, pass other vehicles, and navigate city traffic.

6. Global Context: Countries that Use RHD

Pakistan is not alone in using RHD vehicles; it is part of a broader global trend where around 35% of the world’s population drives on the left side of the road. This includes major economies like Japan, the UK, Australia, and many African nations. Even within Europe, countries like the UK continue to drive on the left-hand side.

There are global standards for both RHD and left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles, and automakers typically produce cars suited to each country's driving orientation. This global division ensures that each system remains functional within its regional context without the need for one to switch to the other.

7. Why Doesn’t Pakistan Switch to Left-Hand Drive?

Switching to a left-hand drive system (driving on the right side of the road) would be an enormous and costly endeavour. Pakistan would have to redesign its entire road network, replace all road signs, reeducate drivers, and ensure that new vehicles are compatible with the system. Additionally, importing left-hand drive vehicles would be more expensive, as Pakistan would lose its ability to import cars from Japan and other RHD countries at affordable rates. The transition would also create confusion and increase the risk of accidents as drivers adjusted to the new rules.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s use of right-hand drive cars is deeply rooted in its colonial history, regional consistency, economic reliance on Japanese car imports, and established road infrastructure. Although right-hand drive may seem unusual to those from countries with left-hand drive systems, it is a practical and logical system for Pakistan given its context. Switching to left-hand drive is neither necessary nor cost-effective, making RHD vehicles the best option for Pakistan's roads.

This historical and practical approach has shaped Pakistan’s driving habits for decades and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.