The Senate Standing Committee on Finance recently addressed the issue of widespread misuse of UAE number plate vehicles in Pakistan. These vehicles, temporarily imported by foreign dignitaries, particularly Arabs, during hunting seasons, have been found to be in continued use by individuals in Pakistan. This article highlights the concerns raised by the committee and the recommended measures to address this issue effectively.
During a review of the Finance Bill 2023, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance expressed serious concern over the failure to re-export vehicles imported by Arab dignitaries back to their respective countries. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, the committee chairman, highlighted instances where individuals freely drive these vehicles, even reaching the premises of the Parliament House. The local police, apprehensive of potential repercussions from influential individuals, hesitate to take action against drivers using these vehicles with foreign number plates.
To tackle this issue, the committee recommended the confiscation of vehicles gifted by Arab dignitaries during their visits to Pakistan for hunting purposes. This step aims to discourage the prolonged use of these imported vehicles, which are intended for temporary use only. By seizing such vehicles, the authorities can send a strong message against the misuse of privileges extended to foreign dignitaries.
The committee has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other enforcement agencies to collaborate closely in curbing the misuse of UAE number plate vehicles. This coordination is vital to ensure a comprehensive approach towards resolving the issue. By working together, these agencies can effectively track the imported vehicles and take necessary actions to prevent their continued use beyond the authorized period.
Suraiya Ahmed Butt, Member Customs Policy at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), shed light on the process involved in the temporary import of these vehicles. She mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants a specific time period for the hunting season, during which special permission is given for the temporary import of vehicles. The FBR has implemented measures to tighten the procedures in order to prevent any misuse of this facility.
Butt further explained that vehicles overstaying their authorized period are subject to confiscation. The detailed procedure for the disposal of such vehicles is outlined in Chapter-99 of the Pakistan Customs Tariff. This provision ensures that vehicles are not retained beyond the specified duration and discourages individuals from exploiting the temporary import facility.
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance has taken a proactive stance in addressing the misuse of UAE number plate vehicles in Pakistan. By recommending the confiscation of vehicles gifted by Arab dignitaries and urging collaboration between enforcement agencies, the committee aims to put an end to this practice. With the tightened procedures and enhanced scrutiny, it is expected that the temporary import facility will be utilized appropriately, and the continued use of foreign number plate vehicles will be curtailed. The effective implementation of these measures will safeguard the integrity of privileges extended to foreign dignitaries and maintain law and order within the country.
