The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the anti-smuggling powers assigned to several law enforcement agencies until June 30, 2027. The decision allows personnel of Pakistan Rangers, Frontier Corps, Pakistan Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to perform specified Customs functions.
The FBR issued four notifications under Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969. The notifications cover the Frontier Corps, Pakistan Rangers, Pakistan Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. The move aims to strengthen enforcement against smuggling along Pakistan’s international borders and coastline.
Under the notification for the Frontier Corps, officers of Frontier Corps Balochistan have been entrusted with specified Customs functions. These powers will apply within their respective jurisdictions and will support anti-smuggling operations in border areas.
Another notification assigns certain Customs functions to Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North and South. The powers will mainly be used to prevent and control smuggling along Pakistan’s international borders.
Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel can exercise these powers within 50 kilometers of international borders. However, several areas have been excluded from their jurisdiction. These include city municipal limits, Customs areas, Customs stations, ports, Border Customs stations, international airports and bonded warehouses.
The FBR has also authorized Pakistan Coast Guard personnel to perform specified Customs functions. These include checking and seizing goods suspected of being smuggled. The powers will apply within 50 kilometers of the coastline.
The Coast Guard’s jurisdiction also excludes several locations. These include ports, Customs areas, city municipal limits, international airports and other areas specifically mentioned in the notification.
The latest Coast Guard notification replaces an earlier notification issued in July 2023. The extended powers will remain effective until June 30, 2027. Before the expiry date, the Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement will submit a performance report to the FBR.
The FBR may further extend the Coast Guard’s powers if its performance is considered satisfactory. Any extension will also depend on compliance with the conditions set under the notification.
Separately, the FBR has entrusted Pakistan Maritime Security Agency personnel with specified Customs enforcement functions. These powers include the detention and seizure of goods suspected of being involved in smuggling.
The PMSA notification also replaces the corresponding notification issued in July 2023. It takes effect immediately and provides the agency with a continued role in supporting Customs enforcement.
The FBR has directed PMSA personnel to exercise their powers carefully. They have also been instructed to avoid unnecessary disruption to legitimate trade and imports.
The directions also cover exports and the general public. The agencies are expected to focus their enforcement activities on suspected smuggling while ensuring lawful commercial activity is not unnecessarily obstructed.
The extension gives these law enforcement agencies continued authority to assist Customs authorities in anti-smuggling operations. It also strengthens the enforcement network along Pakistan’s borders and coastline through June 30, 2027.
Also read: FBR Uses AI and Data to Strengthen Tax Monitoring
