Govt asked to reimpose RD on luxury vehicles.

ISLAMABAD -- The auto industry has slammed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for withdrawing the regulatory duty (RD) on the imports of luxury vehicles at a time when the country is facing a serious dollar crunch.

In a letter written to the Additional Secretary Revenue Division regarding termination of RD on March 31, Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) Director General Abdul Waheed Khan expressed the fears that this move would facilitate some influential to bring in expensive vehicles through indirect channels.

'The government has created an impossible situation, that indirectly prevents the industry from progressing, while luxury items including CBU [completely built up] vehicles may continue to be imported at rather reduced taxes,' PAMA said.

'There are restrictions on opening of letters of credit, but those in the powerful circles can use other modes like making payment for the vehicles from...