The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has raided the Engineering Development Board (EDB) office as an investigation continues into a controversial notification that reopened commercial imports of used vehicles.
According to sources cited by ProPakistani, the FIA team sought records related to the September 30, 2026 notification and took phones and laptops from officials reportedly linked to the matter. The notification introduced changes to the eligibility and inspection requirements for commercial used-car imports.
The revised rules allow proprietorships and partnership firms with valid National Tax Number (NTN) and sales tax registration to commercially import used vehicles. Previously, commercial importers were required to be companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017.
The notification also changed the vehicle inspection process. Importers are now required to obtain a pre-shipment certificate from an internationally accredited inspection body registered with the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). After vehicles arrive in Pakistan, documents are to be verified by the local representative of the same inspection company.
The changes differ from the September 30, 2025 framework, which required third-party post-shipment inspection at an EDB-designated facility at the importer’s expense.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had earlier deferred the matter and directed further work on the EDB’s inspection system. Sources said questions have also been raised over whether the latest notification was issued with the required approvals.
The controversy has also led to action against the officer who signed the disputed notification. According to sources, the officer was removed from his position with immediate effect.
Around 15,000 used vehicles are reportedly currently at Karachi port and could be affected by the new notification. Sources have raised concerns about inspection and vehicle safety, while the notification retains 62 UNECE WP.29 safety and environmental regulations.
The FIA has reportedly been contacted for its response. The allegations and claims regarding an alleged nexus involving importers and EDB officials remain subject to investigation and official confirmation.
