Used-Car Import Order Scandal Deepens: FIA Raids EDB, Officer Removed

Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has raided the Engineering Development Board (EDB) over the controversial used-car import notification, exposing a particularly chaotic ongoing fight between the EDB and the Ministry of Industries and Production.

Key points

• The notification retains the 62 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) WP.29 safety and environmental regulations but relaxes a number of requirements for commercial importers.
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• Around 15, 000 applied vehicles are at present at Karachi port and could be published under the new notification.
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• Proprietorships and partnership firms with a valid National Tax Number (NTN) and sales tax registration can now import applied vehicles commercially.

Sources informed ProPakistani that the FIA team raided the EDB office, demanded records related to the September 30, 2026 notification, and took phones and laptops of office-holders they think are part of an alleged nexus comprising the current EDB.

For context, the raid was initiated after the current EDB CEO wrote to the FIA seeking action and identified authorities whose data and records should be obtained. NAB Chairman Discovers Something Massive.

Sources remarked commercial employed vehicle import rules were changed without the required approval, and there are questions over an alleged nexus between applied car importers and the current EDB CEO.

For context, the dispute centers on the notification issued on September 30. It reopened commercial imports of applied vehicles and introduced changes to the eligibility and inspection framework.

Around 15, 000 applied vehicles are at present at Karachi port and could be published under the new notification. Sources cautioned that fragile post-shipment inspection could create safety risks if vehicles are cleared without proper physical checks.

Meanwhile, the notification retains the 62 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) WP.29 safety and environmental regulations but relaxes a number of requirements for commercial importers.

Proprietorships and partnership firms with a valid National Tax Number (NTN) and sales tax registration can now import applied vehicles commercially. Previously, the commercial importer had to be a firm incorporated under the Businesses Act, 2017.

Meanwhile, the earlier requirement for the minimum capital requirement to be decided by the Federal Cabinet has additionally been removed.

In practice, the inspection process has additionally been changed. Importers now require a pre-shipment certificate from an internationally accredited inspection body registered with the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).

After arrival in Pakistan, documents are to be verified by the local representative of the same inspection firm that conducted the pre-shipment inspection.

This differs from the September 30, 2025 notification. It required third-party post-shipment inspection at an EDB-designated facility at the importer's cost.

For context, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had earlier deferred the matter and ordered further work on the EDB's inspection system. Sources remarked the latest notification was issued despite this process.

Federal Minister Musadik Malik believes the notification could not have been issued in the manner it was, sources remarked. EDB is additionally required to submit a report to the Prime Minister on the matter.

After which he noted the rules should be produced in accordance with UNECE rules, sources remarked the Adviser to the Ministry of Industries had met office-holders a few months ago.

In practice, the controversy has fully blown up after the officer who issued the notification was exposed. Sources remarked he is considered close to the current EDB CEO.

Notably, the officer who signed the disputed notification has since been dismissed with immediate effect.

Despite these allegations, the officer was still present at the EDB office today, sources continued.

While the Establishment Division directly issued the deputation notification, sources continued that the Ministry of Industries and Production had been informed when the officer was posted on deputation. Pakistani Man Scams US Govt of $126 Million With Fake Website.

Sources have additionally mentioned a nexus between employed car importers and the current EDB CEO.

ProPakistani has reached out to the FIA for its response. The story will be updated once a response is received. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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For now, used-Car Import Order Scandal Deepens: FIA Raids EDB, Officer Removed remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.