One report suggested that the illegal business continues unchecked in the city, “perhaps in connivance with the law-enforcing agencies.” When asked, Bismillah Tyres at Ravioli Cinema told The Post that in earlier days, the profit margin was not as good but now, “we are doing a roaring business. It is because every other family has their own car,” he said.

Muhammad Asif Sheikh, a dealer of Dunlop Tyres, said that Dunlop and Yokohama tyres have the highest price followed by the likes of Bridgestone, Pirelli, Lassa, Hankook, Kumho and Nexen. These are priced between 2,000-3,500 rupees per tyre (£24 – £45). The prices for 4×4 sizes are considerably higher, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 rupees (£121 – £242). The so-called “smuggled” tyres however, which originate from such dubious sources that they could even be part worn tyres, cost as little as 1,000 rupees (£12).