SIALKOT: The Customs Anti Smuggling Organisation (ASO) impounded a Toyota Hiace Van worth Rs 2.5 million that was being used for commercial purpose violating the import agreement.
The van was imported under the transfer of residence (TR) for personal and private usage but it was being used as commercial purpose that is not allowed according to the customs laws.
Reportedly, Sialkot ASO incharge Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir Chaudhary along with Inspector Sheikh Ikram and other team members was checking vehicles on Lahore-Rawalpindi Grand Trunk (GT) road.
The team intercepted a Toyota Hiace Van bearing Registration No LET-13-666 and asked the driver to show documents. The driver produced documents, which were scrutinised and found that the said vehicle was imported under TR. Therefore, the officials impounded vehicle but released the driver after necessary investigation.
The rules of TR states that “The import of more than 2 years old car or vehicle, having remained in used of the importer in the foreign country of his residence for the aforesaid period, shall be allowed under the T.R scheme subject to the following conditions: (a) The Pakistani National is transferring his residence from abroad after a continuous stay of 2 years, (b) He makes a declaration on his arrival in Pakistan that he intends to import the car under the T.R scheme, (c) this concession shall be availed in case of car which is transferred from a country wherein the said Pakistani National normally resides, (d) this concession shall be availed in case of cars which is shipped within 15 days of the arrival of the Pakistani National in Pakistan in case of cargo coming by air and within 60 days of his arrival of his arrival in case of cargo coming over land route or by sea, (e) The importer shall have:- valid driving licence and registration documents of the vehicle duly attested and stamped by the concerned Pakistani Embassy or Consulate.”
