ISLAMABAD, August 5, 2025 –
A massive scandal has come to light after it was revealed that a Toyota Land Cruiser, a luxury SUV valued at tens of millions of rupees, was imported into Pakistan for just Rs. 17,635 in customs duties, raising serious questions about corruption and collusion within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and customs authorities.
The revelation has triggered public outrage and demands for accountability, with many calling it a blatant case of duty evasion, under-invoicing, and systemic corruption.
According to initial reports, the vehicle—known for its high-end features and steep market price—was declared under a suspiciously low customs valuation, enabling the importer to pay a mere fraction of the actual duty. The normal import duty for such a vehicle typically runs into millions of rupees, depending on the model year and engine size.
Sources close to the matter believe that forged invoices and manipulated shipping documents may have been used to declare a significantly undervalued price. It is suspected that internal officials either looked the other way or were complicit, allowing the vehicle to be cleared without proper verification or assessment.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) and the FBR have reportedly initiated investigations into the matter, and senior customs officials are under scrutiny. Insiders suggest this may be just one example of a broader network that facilitates illegal vehicle imports, depriving the national exchequer of billions.
Social media users and civil society activists expressed fury over the case, especially amid ongoing tax hikes and utility price increases faced by the average citizen. “People are forced to pay thousands in taxes on basic goods while the elite import Land Cruisers for peanuts,” one user wrote. Several political leaders have also demanded a parliamentary inquiry, with some calling it “economic terrorism against the people.”
Experts estimate that the government may have lost over Rs. 10–15 million in duties and taxes on this single transaction alone. If the practice is widespread—as some reports suggest—the total loss to the treasury could be in the billions annually.
In a brief statement, an FBR spokesperson acknowledged the irregularity and stated that a comprehensive audit of suspicious vehicle imports was underway. “We are committed to transparency and will take strict action against all those involved, regardless of rank,” the statement said.
According to whistleblowers, such cases are not uncommon. Vehicles ranging from luxury sedans to high-end SUVs are often under-invoiced or imported under special schemes (e.g., diplomatic exemptions or gift schemes) and then sold on the open market. Authorities are now facing pressure to review all recent vehicle import records, especially those cleared through ports in Karachi and Gwadar.
This case has put the spotlight on a deep-rooted issue in Pakistan’s customs and import framework. As investigations continue, the public waits to see whether this scandal will lead to real accountability—or become just another case swept under the rug.
