Pakistan's Pickup Trucks: A Status Symbol of National Power

In Karachi, the biggest city in Pakistan, cars move slowly on the busy roads. But some cars, especially SUVs and Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, can easily move through the traffic. The Hilux has become a symbol of power, wealth, and strength in Pakistan, a country where there is a big gap between rich and poor.

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The Hilux shows that the person inside must be important. "If you see someone with a Hilux, it means they are a big person," said Usman Perhyar, a 40-year-old politician. The Hilux has everything – it looks fancy, it is safe, and there’s enough room in the back for people. On Karachi's crowded roads, Hilux trucks speed behind other cars and flash their lights to ask the cars to move out of the way.

The Hilux was first used by rich landowners because it is strong and can go through tough areas like mountains and farms. But now, it’s also popular with city business owners who want to show off their success. Sometimes, guards with guns sit in the back, and the windows are blacked out to keep people safe.

The Hilux is also important in politics. Many politicians use it during elections to travel to events like weddings and meetings. "You can't run an election without a Revo," said Sajjad Ali Soomro, a member of Imran Khan's party. The Revo is a newer version of the Hilux. Politicians like Ali Warraich from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party use the Hilux to go to events in tough areas.

But the Hilux is not just used for showing power. It is also linked to secret government actions. People believe the military uses Hilux trucks to arrest people who speak against the government. "Whenever I see a Dala, I remember the time I was taken by the military," said one politician who was arrested this year. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was also taken in a Hilux when he was arrested in May 2023.

The Hilux is also feared because it is linked to kidnappings. People see these trucks and get scared. Ahmad Farhad, a poet and activist who has spoken against the military, said sometimes the military parks these trucks close to his car to scare him. "A Dala is used to make people afraid," he said.

In Karachi, where there are a lot of street crimes, the Hilux is known to scare criminals. "A thief would be scared to rob a Hilux," said Zohaib Khan, a car lover. The Hilux is big and strong, so it stops criminals. Even though the police check cars for safety, they don’t usually stop the Hilux because it is seen as an important vehicle.

The Toyota Hilux is more than just a car in Pakistan. It is a symbol of power, money, and influence. Whether used by politicians, business owners, or the military, the Hilux plays a big role in the country’s life. As its popularity grows, the Hilux will likely stay important in Pakistan’s streets and politics.