Retired three- and four-star officers of the armed forces are now allowed to import duty-free bulletproof vehicles of up to 6,000cc engine displacement under a policy green-lighted by the federal cabinet, but is subject to approval from the premier according to a recent report published in Dawn.
The facility will also be available to all three services chiefs and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee soon after their retirement, the official said but added that a notification had yet to be released. Whether the facility will be subject to any condition or will it apply to only retired offers remains to be seen. “We cannot share details right now,” the source said, adding that things would be clear once the notification was issued.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has delayed releasing the notification after growing criticism on social media over the government’s decision. The notification will now be issued after approval from Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the finance minister, the source said.
As per the federal cabinet’s in-principle decision, four-star armed forces officers can import two bulletproof vehicles with engine capacity of up to 6,000cc duty-free. Three-star officers will be able to import one duty-free bulletproof vehicle after retirement. They would not be able to sell these vehicles in the market for 5 years without FBR’s approval. But if they want to sell a vehicle before that period, they will need to pay all duties and taxes.
Moreover, the import of these vehicles will be linked with the defence ministry’s recommendation. According to Dawn citing a well-placed source in the FBR, the decision was taken with approval from the federal cabinet, which has the authority to waive duty and taxes on anything. A finance ministry official said the IMF would have no issue with the individual’s exemptions. “We have recently revived the exemptions of international organizations as well as diplomats,” the official said.
Source: Dawn
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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