Islamabad, Feb 21 (TNS): In a major policy decision, the federal cabinet decided the fate of over 10,000 imported (used) cars which would leave the Karachi port soon and run on the country’s roads.
The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi allowed clearance of the vehicles under the gift, baggage and transfer of residence schemes for overseas Pakistanis. Thousands of different kinds of three-year-old vehicles have been stuck at Karachi port since October 2017. The cabinet has allowed the clearance of these vehicles under the baggage scheme.
The government had banned import of used cars, citing misuse of the gift and baggage scheme by the importers and car dealers. Ministers decide to expedite repatriation of Afghan refugees. Now the cabinet has restored the previous policy on the demand of importers. It is believed the decision will help bring increasing prices of used imported cars under control. Under the policy, import of used vehicles takes place under the gift, baggage and transfer of residence schemes for overseas Pakistanis who ship such vehicles individually. In another significant decision, the cabinet restored the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) for foreign spouses of Pakistani citizens residing in the country enabling them to buy properties, run businesses and open bank accounts.
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said under a notification issued in 2015 the POC was prohibited for foreigner spouses of Pakistani citizens after which they had been facing a number of difficulties. A fresh notification regarding restoration of POC rules will be issued today Wednesday ” he added. The federal cabinet also decided to expedite the process of repatriation of Afghan refugees in collaboration with the provincial authorities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
