KARACHI: Sectary of the Ministry of Commerce has informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) that the import of cars older than three year is not allowed as per appendix-E of the import policy order (IPO), therefore, Vintage Cars are banned for import as per the IPO and petition may be dismissed.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Saeeduddin Nasir, was hearing the constitutional petition filed by Syed Shahid Hussain and Abu Bakar Siddiq seeking permission for import of Vintage cars.
During the hearing, deputy attorney general of Pakistan filed para wise comments from the Ministry of Commerce which court has taken on record and directed the petitioners’ counsel to submit rejoinder on the next date of hearing. The court adjourned the hearing for the date which would be announced by the SHC office.
According to the reply of the ministry of commerce that the import of cars older than three year is not allowed as per appendix-E of import policy order (IPO), therefore, Vintage Cars are banned for import as per IPO. In a few cases of IPO has been exercised to grant permission for import of Vintage Cars show in Pakistan, however, the petitioners have not stated any such plausible reason for the import of Vintage Cars in their applications.
Ministry further informed the court that petition may kindly be dismissed as the respondents are acting in accordance with the laid down policy and safeguarding the national interest by implementing the policy.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioners stated in their petition that they are hobbyists of vintage car and seriously committed to import vintage cars, respondents are empowered to grant permission for import if old cars (beyond 3 years of manufacturing) in terms of import policy, 2016. They have applied in the office of the respondents for requisite necessary permission for import of old vehicles as the respondents have frequently granted permission for import of vintage cars in view of their longstanding friendly policy, however, respondents refused their request for importing of vintage cars.
Citing Sectary Ministry of Commerce and Joint Sectary Ministry of Commerce as respondents, petitioners pleaded the court may direct the respondents to issue necessary permission for import of vintage cars.
