Car consumerism

Standing at a signal in Karachi’s Defence area, one wonders whether the country is in a crisis or not. There is a Vigo on one side, a Hilux in front, two Civics behind and a Mercedes that can be seen through the rearview mirror. There is no shortage of vehicles with an eight-figure price tag in the city. Over the last two decades, car sales have increased almost five times, but tractor sales have increased by 115pc. One could argue that with increased industrialisation and a shift towards the services sector, the need for tractors has decreased. However, according to World Bank data, agriculture’s share in Pakistan’s GDP has not materially changed since 1999, when it was 25pc, to 2021 when it was 23pc. The explosion of car ownership is limited to a few hands. According to a survey conducted by Gallup & Gillani last year, 93pc Pakistanis report they do not have a car in their home. These results are similar to the Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement survey (2019-20), which states that only 6pc of Pakistanis claim car ownership. Economics dictates that what is demanded will be supplied. The status-conscious consumerism-driven elite have a penchant for impractically big cars which is why finding parking has become a nightmare. And the rich do not care about food security beyond a glance at the headlines and writing of cheques to favoured charities.