Duty-free import of one hybrid car proposed for the Overseas Pakistanis

[Mark-x]

For the sake of recognizing the efforts of Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) and further facilitation in the future, the Policy Planning Unit of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD) has put up a proposal of allowing duty-free import of one hybrid car up to 3000 cc engine capacity for Overseas Pakistanis.

According to the details, the ministry is mandated to redress the problems faced by Overseas Pakistanis and formulate welfare policies for them. The Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit has also directed the ministry to devise a Manual of Privileges for the Overseas Pakistanis. The official notification of this proposal is attached below for complete details.

The notification proposes the allowance of importing one duty-free hybrid car up to 3000 cc engine capacity to Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC) holders, who remit US$ 100,000 over a period of two years. However, the Commerce division has also suggested sending the same proposal to other concerned ministries and authorities, including the Ministry of Industries and Production and Engineering Development Board (EDB) for the sake of obtaining their views on it.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has requested to obtain views/comments on this proposal as early as possible so that it can easily prepare the Manual of Privileges within the specified period indicated by the PM’s Office. Note here that the notification indicates that the proposal is a time-limited case, and the final decision will be taken immediately.

The import of cars is currently only allowed for Overseas Pakistanis under three conditions: baggage, gift scheme, and transfer of residence. Under these conditions, all the taxes and duties on a particular imported vehicle will be paid through foreign remittances originating from the account of Overseas Pakistani. Now the government wants to facilitate the Overseas Pakistanis having Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC) by allowing them to import one duty-free hybrid car up to 3000 cc engine capacity. It’s a good initiative that will recognize the efforts of Overseas Pakistanis in contributing to the welfare of the country. However, let’s wait and see what will be the final decision of the government in this regard.