32,000 duty free vehicle permits:

Govt. loses Rs. 147.3b in revenue

The more than 32,000 duty free vehicle permits given to senior State sector employees, Parliamentarians and Provincial Council members since 2012 have cost the government Rs 147.3 billion in revenue.

A Finance Ministry source confirmed that the State had incurred a loss of Rs. 147.3 billion due to duty concessions, while earning Rs.63.8 billion by way of other taxes imposed on vehicle imports.

According to Finance Ministry records, 11,622 duty free vehicle permits were issued in 2013, 7482 in 2012, 6329 in 2014 and 6854 up to August 31 this year.

The State sector personnel eligible for duty free concession, including doctors are given duty free vehicle permits valued at US$ 35,000, while Provincial Council and Parliament members are eligible for permits valued at US$ 45,000 every five years.

Senior State sector employees close to retirement age are given permits valued at US $ 27,500 each.