The 4x4 ‘indispensable for politics’
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KARACHI: In the country’s largest city, cars inch forward in bumper-to-bumper traffic. But some seamlessly carve through the jam: SUVs flanked by Toyota Hilux pickup trucks.
The 4x4 vehicle has become a symbol of power, affluence and intimidation in a society marked by significant class divisions.
On Karachi’s chaotic roads, Hiluxes part the traffic — speeding up behind cars and flashing their lights demanding drivers move out of their way.
“I swear to God, you can’t run an election without a Revo,” said Sajjad Ali, a provincial parliamentarian from Imran Khan’s PTI party.
In the eastern city of Gujrat, politician Ali Warraich — from the ruling PML-N party — finds it essential to travel with an escort of two of the trucks. They allow him to navigate off-road terrain to attend dozens of weddings and funerals a month.
“Politics without this vehicle has become nearly impossible,” he claims.
Without one, he argues, potential supporters could question his influence and turn towards competitors. “As a result, it has become a basic necessity,” he says.
The Hilux first became popular among feudal elites for its reliability in rural and mountain regions.
But in recent years, the “Dala”, as it is locally known, has soared in popularity as an escort vehicle among newly successful urban business owners.
The Hilux debuted in 1968, but the model that became popular in Pakistan was the mid-2000s Hilux Vigo.
It was later upgraded and rebranded as the Revo, with prices ranging from Rs10m to Rs15m. Their prices have remained steady and they retain excellent resale value in a market traditionally dominated by their manufacturer, Toyota.
“Amongst whatever luxury items we have, this is the fastest-selling item,” car seller Nazir told AFP.
The truck has also become a trademark in the alleged “abduction” of dissenting voices, activists told AFP, with the word “Dala” serving as a euphemism for intelligence agencies involved in covert operations.
The unmarked cars with plainclothes men inside were allegedly used to round up senior PTI leaders and officials in recent crackdowns, reinforcing the vehicle’s notorious reputation.
Former PM Imran Khan was also bundled into a similar black vehicle by paramilitary soldiers when he was arrested in May 2023 in Islamabad.
Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2024
