ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a significant agreement to terminate the vehicle gift scheme and impose stricter regulations on vehicle imports.
According to a governance and corruption assessment report, both parties have agreed to abolish schemes that allowed vehicles to be imported as gifts or under baggage rules. Furthermore, a third scheme related to transferring residence will be made more stringent to prevent misuse.
Private imports of cars up to five years old will still be permitted, but under much stricter conditions with enhanced safety measures.
The matter is scheduled to be presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the Cabinet for formal approval. The IMF has also set clear deadlines for the termination of these schemes.
Previously, vehicles from countries such as Japan or the United Kingdom were first shipped via Dubai before entering Pakistan; such indirect import practices will now be effectively restricted.
In light of the IMF’s anti-corruption assessment, a task force has recommended amending the Civil Servants Act 1973 to mandate public disclosure of assets for officers in grades 17 to 22, as well as their immediate family members.
The task force has also suggested amendments to the Election Commission, NAB, and FIA acts. Additional recommendations include specialized training for NAB and FIA officials and reassignment of responsibilities for FIA officers stationed at airports, shifting immigration duties to another force to enhance accountability.
Under the revised transfer of residence scheme, vehicles can only be imported from countries where the owner has resided for at least one year.
Measures will also be implemented to curb misuse of this provision. The agreement reflects broader efforts by the government and the IMF to balance revenue collection, strengthen regulatory oversight, and reduce corruption in vehicle import practices.
