In a significant decision, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has ruled that overseas Pakistanis can import vehicles under the personal baggage scheme, transfer of residence, and gift scheme, provided they have not imported, gifted, or received a vehicle in the last two years.
The FTO advisor, Dr. Waqar Ch Arain, announced this verdict at an awareness session in Lahore on Sunday. He explained that the FTO has instructed the Directorate of Reforms and Automation Karachi to develop an electronic system to ensure that no goods declaration is filed by the same importer on a new passport within two years of importing a vehicle on an old passport.
The decision comes after a complaint was filed against the Chief Collector, Appraisement (South), Karachi, and Director, Directorate of Customs, Reforms and Automation Karachi, regarding delays in clearing vehicles imported by overseas Pakistanis and misuse of immigration data.
The FTO’s verdict is a significant win for overseas Pakistanis, who can now import vehicles without undue restrictions. The new system will ensure compliance with the Import Policy Order (IPO) 2022 and prevent misuse of immigration data.
