ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce has asked provincial governments to strictly enforce the one-year restriction on transferring used vehicles imported under schemes for overseas Pakistanis, amid concerns that the facilities are being exploited for commercial vehicle trading.
In letters to provincial chief secretaries, the ministry directed that vehicles imported under the Gift Scheme and Transfer of Residence Scheme must be registered only in the names of designated beneficiaries and cannot be transferred to another person during the first year.
Under the revised Import Policy Order 2022, vehicles brought in through the Gift Scheme must be registered in the name of the eligible family member receiving the vehicle, while those imported under the Transfer of Residence Scheme must be registered in the name of the overseas Pakistani concerned.
The ministry said the schemes were designed to facilitate genuine overseas Pakistanis rather than provide a route for commercial traders to import vehicles using their credentials.
It warned that inconsistent enforcement by provincial Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Departments could allow traders to circumvent the restrictions introduced under the federal import policy.
The issue was discussed by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce on September 3, 2026, which recommended coordination with provincial governments to ensure uniform implementation of SRO 61(1)/2026.
Following the committee’s recommendation, the ministry specifically requested the Balochistan government to direct its relevant departments to prevent registration or transfer of such vehicles to anyone other than the designated beneficiary during the restricted period.
The ministry has sought priority action from provincial authorities, as vehicle registration falls under provincial jurisdiction while import regulations are administered by the federal government.
