The federal cabinet has approved a policy allowing overseas Pakistanis to import up to three-year-old used vehicles under two existing schemes. This decision follows a recommendation by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to expand vehicle import options.
The cabinet endorsed amendments submitted by the Ministry of Commerce, which extend the permissible age of imported vehicles from two years to three years. The revised framework ensures that commercial import safety and environmental standards are fully applied.
Imported vehicles under this scheme will remain non-transferable for one year, aiming to prevent misuse and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. The Ministry of Commerce will now forward the proposal to the Ministry of Law and Justice for vetting of the relevant Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO).
Once the Law Ministry completes the vetting process, the finalized SRO will be uploaded on the Ministry of Commerce’s official website. Officials emphasized that these measures aim to facilitate overseas Pakistanis while maintaining vehicle safety and environmental compliance.
In addition to vehicles, the government is also considering easing taxes on used mobile phones brought into Pakistan by expatriates. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial highlighted that proposals to reduce duties on low-value imported mobile phones are under review and expected to be finalized by March 2026.
During the review, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman shared market statistics, noting that only 6% of mobile phones in Pakistan are imported. In contrast, nearly 94% are locally manufactured, highlighting the significance of regulating imports for both vehicles and electronic devices.
Officials stated that the revised vehicle import policy will make it easier for overseas Pakistanis to invest in their home country, while ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and legal standards. Transitional measures have been introduced to ensure smooth implementation, and authorities will closely monitor compliance.
This policy is expected to enhance private sector participation and provide overseas Pakistanis with greater flexibility in contributing to Pakistan’s automotive and import sectors. By combining regulatory oversight with practical incentives, the government aims to create a transparent and secure framework for vehicle imports.
The cabinet decision also reinforces the government’s commitment to modernizing import policies, promoting economic engagement, and supporting expatriates who contribute to the national economy. With safety, environmental, and legal measures firmly in place, overseas Pakistanis can now benefit from more flexible options in bringing vehicles into the country.
