No SRO issued for ‘tax-free import’ of bulletproof cars

ISLAMABAD: THE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) clarified on Saturday that it had not issued any Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) for the import of duty and tax-free bulletproof cars.

“The news that has appeared in various sections of the media is not based on correct facts. The federal cabinet approved a decision in 2019 to allow such [a] facility but no notification to this effect has been issued so far,” it said in a press release.

Earlier, it was reported that retired three- and four-star officers of the armed forces will be able to import duty-free bulletproof vehicles of up to 6,000cc under a policy green-lighted by the federal cabinet, but is subject to approval from the prime minister.

The facility will also be available to all three services chiefs and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Commitee soon ater 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,” an official said, adding that things would be clear once the notification was issued.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has delayed releasing the notification ater growing criticism on social media over the government’s decision.

The notification will now be issued ater approval from the Prime Minister Secretariat and the finance minister, the official 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 ater retirement.

They would not be able to sell these vehicles in the market for five years and 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. The official said the decision was taken with approval from the federal cabinet, which has the authority to waive duty and taxes on anything.