One-Year Non-Transfer Restriction on Imported Cars: APDA Seeks PM’s Intervention

ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Car Dealers and Importers Association (APDA) has expressed serious concerns over the one-year non-transfer restriction imposed on vehicles imported by overseas Pakistanis under the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes, and has sought immediate intervention from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a letter addressed to the prime minister, APDA Patron-in-Chief Mian Shoaib Ahmed said that under S.R.O. 61(I)/2026, vehicles imported through the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes cannot be transferred to another person for one year from the date of import.

The association maintained that, given the current security situation, the restriction could unintentionally create difficulties for law enforcement agencies and raise concerns related to national security.

According to APDA, if an overseas Pakistani is forced by financial or personal circumstances to sell a vehicle before completion of the one-year period, its legal transfer cannot be completed. As a result, the previous owner’s name remains on official records even though the vehicle may actually be in the possession and use of another person.

The association warned that if such a vehicle is used in terrorism, kidnapping, targeted attacks, smuggling, robbery or any other serious crime, the discrepancy between the registered owner and the actual user could complicate investigations and waste valuable time for law enforcement agencies.

APDA also pointed out that modern surveillance systems, including Safe City cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), rely on accurate and updated vehicle registration records. A mismatch between legal ownership and the actual user could undermine effective vehicle tracking and traceability.

The association urged the prime minister to direct the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant authorities to immediately amend the SRO and remove the one-year non-transfer restriction.

APDA said the move would ensure that official vehicle records accurately reflect the lawful owner and current user, while strengthening vehicle traceability in line with national security requirements.