ISLAMABAD: On the media reports of *Free imports of hybrid and electriccars in Pakistan, new developments have been reported over the proposal.*
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development(MOPHRD) recently made a controversial proposal, allowing the overseasPakistanis to import hybrid cars into Pakistan without any duty.
The proposals, which are yet to be examined by the concernedauthorities/ministries, would provide an extra benefit to the Pakistanisliving abroad, as they would not be contributing in the tax revenue of thecountry.
Officials at the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Commerce saidunder the proposed facility, the overseas Pakistani who remitted at least$100,000 in two years would be able to sell their vehicles without payingany duty.
“Since they will be allowed to import vehicles up to 3,000CC, most of thehybrid vehicles would be sold out in the local market,” they said, addingthat this would ultimately encourage the illegal business of cars.
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“As luxury vehicles are being manufactured with small engines due totechnological advancements, costlier vehicles of up to 3,000CC could beimported under the scheme,” an official at Engineering Development Board(EDB) of Pakistan said. “The proposals of MOPHRD are not feasible.”
Meanwhile, a commerce ministry official, upon contact, informed that theproposal was initially shared with the ministry. “But we suggested theMOPHRD consult concerned authorities including the Ministry of Industries,EDB, Federal Board of Revenue and others before making any proposals.”
He said the Ministry of Commerce, as per its stance, has opposed the movesince it has always been against the import of used cars under gift/baggagesystem. “We only handle the import/export policy and tariff policy,” theofficial said.
