South Asian Business news and information

The government of Pakistan has introduced a new law to decrease the import of used vehicles by Pakistani expatriates. The law will be called “Import of Vehicle Rules 2006.”  I am quoting from the report published in the Peninsulaquatar:

“These rules involve cumbersome procedures besides two lengthy certificates — earning and gift undertaking — conditional for availing the facility.

This is the second attempt of the Pakistan government to restrict the import of cars by expatriate Pakistani by involving a huge documentation process. Earlier, in the budget the import of used cars under the transfer of residence case was restricted to only five years.”

Under the gift scheme, an expatriate would be able to import car as a gift only for blood relatives such as son, daughter, parents, sister, brother, husband, wife but not for any person under eighteen years of age. 

Announced by the Central Board of Revenue through a customs notification, this rule is aimed at protecting the domestic car producers. In addition, the rule does not allow import of vehicles more than five years old.

Reconditioned vehicles are very popular in many countries. I came across an old news (2005) published in The Nation. It says that the domestic car producers have failed to meet the demands of Pakistani consumers. The cars produced are not of that high quality but the price has risen. According to another report published on May 2006, in The Dawn, the import of reconditioned car has increased between August 2005 and March 2006. These two reports would give the reader an idea that Pakistani people are not happy with the quality of their domestic cars. I think, now is the time, Pakistani car producers should think seriously of providing better quality cars.

Related Article:

The Peninsula