The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made the decision to crack down on non-custom-paid (NCP) autos across the whole nation. Details indicate that the authority has finished setting up the operation in response to interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq’s instructions. The operation will be carried out by FBR and law enforcement organisations (LEOs).
Amnesty Plan?
It is important to note that FBR is tightening the noose around NCP car owners rather than offering them amnesty. In accordance with government policy, the FBR will scrap these vehicles and sell them at auction to generate cash.
According to media sources, the government of Pakistan is now negotiating with the IMF and is unable to declare an amnesty programme since it would violate the fundamental terms of the agreement.
A media source claims that the Malakand Division in the north is home to the majority of NCP vehicles. The government only has data on 128,000 of the 450,000 NCP automobiles that the report stated there to be.
The government granted a 5-year tax relief for NCP cars at the merging of KPK and FATA in 2018, but it expired on June 30, 2023.
However, there are rumours that these vehicles will be targeted in a decisive operation, particularly in response to pressure from the authorities in power. Officials from Malakand Division claim that the KPK Chief Secretary has issued specific instructions to halt the registration of NCP vehicles, suggesting that a crackdown is soon to come.
However, the customs officers have voiced their concerns on the lack of a large enough parking area for this many vehicles. Nevertheless, the crackdown would begin, and FBR would confiscate NCP vehicles all over the nation.
Following the proper procedures, these vehicles will be auctioned off and put back on the road following registration, however it often takes 1-3 years for this closed auction.