The Pakistani Embassy in Tokyo released an official statement, saying that the Japanese government is taking all necessary measures to curb the clearance of imported cars in Pakistan based on fake or forged documents.
Pakistan Customs in Karachi has reportedly discovered numerous cases of fraud regarding the clearance of imported used vehicles based on fake/forged documents. The action has been taken following concern and agitation on the part of the Japan-based Pakistani business community.
“On December 24, 2020, Trade and Investment Counsellor (TIC) reported to the relevant authorities in Pakistan – Chief Collector Customs (Appraisement) Karachi, Federal Board of Revenue and Ministry of Commerce, submission of fake/forged documents for clearance of a vehicle in Karachi bearing fake seals/stamps of the embassy and forged signatures of TIC,” the embassy said in an official statement.
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“As a result of an inquiry initiated by FBR/Customs on this incident report, additional cases of fraud have also been unearthed by the authorities for which legal action has already been initiated by Pakistan Customs in Karachi in the form of FIRs against customs clearing agents involved,” the embassy added.
As per the current import policy, the cars can only be imported in Pakistan as a part of personal baggage or as a gift to a resident Pakistani. However, the authorities had reportedly failed to enforce the policy properly, resulting in the illegal trade of cars using forged documents.
The customs officials in Karachi have assured the embassy that there would be a more strict and detailed check to make sure no imported vehicle with bogus documents makes it past the customs department.
