Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani informed the National Assembly on Friday that, according to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) data, no cases of under-invoicing were found in the commercial import of used vehicles or solar panels over the last five years. While responding to supplementary questions of the members of the National Assembly, the minister made it clear that under-invoicing in certain import categories existed in general; no specific case involving companies in the import of used vehicles or solar panels had been reported. He said that under SRO 1895(I)/2025, issued on September 30, 2025, the government had allowed the commercial import of five-year-old used vehicles until June 30, 2026. However, he said that no commercial imports of used vehicles under this SRO had taken place so far. “As a result, there were currently no cases of under-invoicing in the used car import category, and the matter may be treated as ‘nil’ in terms of reported violations,” he said. About the import of solar panels, Kayani said that Customs field formations have not detected any case of under-invoicing in solar panel imports during the past five years on the basis of direct evidence. He said the government is implementing a range of reforms under the FBR to address evasion risks, including faceless customs systems, post-clearance audits, and enhanced risk management systems aimed at ensuring data-driven identification of high-risk consignments. The Minister said that the government continues to promote solar energy under its energy transition strategy. He said that net metering policies remained intact for existing consumers, while new users were being shifted to net billing mechanisms to ensure system sustainability. Bilal Azhar Kayani said that despite fiscal constraints, the government has provided targeted subsidies and relief measures to protect citizens from economic pressures while maintaining fiscal discipline. Later, responding to a calling attention notice regarding the complete power outage from Burhan to Swabi due to a damaged electricity transmission line and the non-commencement of the 220kV National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) project, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar informed the National Assembly about the prolonged power outage from Burhan to Swabi caused by damage to a high-voltage transmission structure. She said that on May 10, around 5 pm, strong winds led to the collapse of 132kV transmission towers in the Chota Lahore and Swabi areas, resulting in a widespread disruption of electricity supply in the region. She added that the concerned power utility has assured that restoration of electricity will be completed by late night or early morning. Regarding long-term measures, she informed lawmakers that a new 220kV grid station project under the NTDC in the Swabi area is nearing completion. Responding to another calling attention notice regarding the inordinate delay in handing over possession of plots in Sector I-12 by the Capital Development Authority, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Talal Chaudhry informed the House that more than 5,000 plots are now ready in Sector I-12, and the final phase of possession will be completed within the next 10 to 15 weeks. He said the long-delayed development work in the sector had reached its final stage of completion. He acknowledged that the delay in Sector I-12 had persisted for years and said the concerns raised by lawmakers were justified. Responding to another question, he said temporary cattle markets are also established in suitable areas away from residential localities during Eid ul-Azha to ensure proper facilities, including security and other civic arrangements for citizens. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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