The Collector of Customs Gilgit-Baltistan has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to enhance enforcement measures to prevent the pilferage of untaxed imported goods from entering areas outside Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). In a letter addressed to the Member Customs Operations and the Member Inland Revenue Service, the Collector requested the implementation of a “Restraining Order on Collection of Sales Tax and Income Tax at Import Stage” as issued by the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan in Writ Petition No. 201/2024 on August 9, 2024.
The Collector emphasized the need for immediate action to halt the smuggling of untaxed goods from GB into other regions. He noted that importers have been permitted to clear their goods until the next court hearing by submitting Post Dated Cheques for deferred taxes, as directed by the board. A Standard Operating Procedure has been established to facilitate this process, ensure clarity, and maintain uniformity in customs clearance.
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The importers’ association has been informed both in writing and verbally that their request to provide Post Dated Cheques as security has been accepted. They have been advised to expedite the clearance of their goods.
Additionally, Regional Tax Offices in Peshawar and Abbottabad have been instructed to implement monitoring mechanisms, including check-posts at three identified entry points in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) from GB. The Collectorate of Customs has also requested the Home Department Gilgit-Baltistan to allow Customs staff to be stationed at three exit points from GB.
The Collector has called for the FBR to issue instructions to the Directorate General of Intelligence Customs, the IRS, and relevant enforcement units. He has also proposed the establishment of a mechanism for enforcement and coordination to curb the pilferage of untaxed imported goods outside GB.
Furthermore, the Collector has requested the FBR to notify check-posts and deploy mobile squads operated by RTO Peshawar and RTO Abbottabad. He has also asked for the posting of six inspectors and twelve sepoys to the customs collectorate, along with budget allocations for three check-posts within GB. An urgent filling of a vacant Assistant Collector position in MCC Gilgit-Baltistan is also requested. It is important to note that cross-border trade at the Sost Dry Port in GB has been suspended since April this year due to customs clearance issues.
