Islamabad:The Ministry of Commerce on Monday rejected a report published in some print media regarding a surge in imports of old and used vehicles, stating that it contained factual inaccuracies that gave the impression of an unchecked increase in imports.
According to official data, a total of 2,095 vehicles were imported under the relevant schemes in September 2026. These included 2,047 vehicles under the Gift Scheme, 47 under the discontinued Personal Baggage (PB) Scheme, and one under the Transfer of Residence (TR) Scheme.
The ministry clarified that the reported figure of 2,276 vehicles imported under the Gift Scheme was incorrect.
Similarly, the report stated that 843 vehicles were imported in June 2026, including 806 under the Gift Scheme.
However, the actual total was only 90 vehicles, comprising 62 under the Gift Scheme, 25 under the PB Scheme, and three under the TR Scheme.
The ministry stated that imports under these schemes totalled 16,651 vehicles during January-September 2026, compared with 37,035 during the corresponding period in 2025, marking a 55% decline. It said this substantial reduction demonstrated the visible impact of changes introduced in the schemes for importing old and used vehicles.
The report also raised concerns regarding enforcement of the one-year restriction on the transfer of ownership of vehicles imported under the Gift Scheme.
The ministry said it remained in regular contact with implementing agencies, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan Customs, and provincial vehicle registration authorities, to ensure compliance. Any lapse in the implementation of the aforementioned schemes is taken up with the relevant authorities at the appropriate level.
The ministry further stated that the government discontinued the Personal Baggage Scheme in January 2026 to curb misuse. Vehicles appearing under this category in subsequent months represent clearances of previously eligible consignments.
Additional safeguards include a one-year non-transferability requirement for vehicles imported under the Gift Scheme, an increase in the prescribed overseas stay requirement from 700 to 850 days, and a requirement that vehicles imported under the TR Scheme must come from the overseas Pakistani’s country of residence.
The government remains committed to preventing misuse of these schemes and ensuring the strict and effective implementation of the applicable policy framework.