The Government has approved stricter rules for vehicle imports by overseas Pakistanis. The decision was taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Under the new rules, vehicles imported under the Transfer of Residence scheme must now be verified to originate from the same country where the sender resides. This measure aims to prevent misuse of the scheme through third-country shipments. Vehicles imported under the Gift scheme remain exempt from this requirement.
Eligibility criteria have also been tightened. Overseas Pakistanis must have spent at least three years abroad, totaling a minimum of 850 days, before they can import vehicles under either scheme. Officials said this ensures that only genuine expatriates benefit from the concessions.
The ECC approved extending the mandatory gap between successive imports from two years to three years. Imported vehicles will also remain non-transferable for one year. In addition, all imported vehicles must meet commercial safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
The Government consulted multiple ministries, including the Commerce Ministry, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industries, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), before finalizing the decision. While the Ministry of Industries recommended discontinuing both Gift and Personal Baggage schemes due to misuse, the ECC retained only the Transfer of Residence and Gift schemes.
Besides vehicle imports, the ECC reviewed key economic measures, including the Circular Debt Management Plan for FY 2025–26, adjustments to petroleum dealer margins, restrictions on chloroform imports, and technical supplementary grants for government departments. Notable approvals included Rs. 1.28 billion for the Pakistan Digital Authority, Rs. 5 billion for the Housing and Works Division, and allocations for PASSCO and PIAHCL to settle liabilities and manage employee benefits.
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Officials stated that the new vehicle import rules by the Government aim to prevent misuse, protect foreign exchange reserves, and ensure that benefits reach genuine overseas Pakistanis.
