FBR Extends Anti-Smuggling Powers of LEAs

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the anti-smuggling powers of several law enforcement agencies (LEAs) up to June 30, 2025, through four notifications issued on Tuesday. Under these notifications, the FBR has empowered the Pakistan Rangers, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), and Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) to actively combat smuggling activities within Pakistan. These agencies will collaborate closely with Pakistan Customs officials to effectively eliminate smuggling across the country.

The FBR has amended existing notifications to specify guidelines and limitations associated with the delegation of powers. For instance, the Pakistan Rangers’ operations are confined to areas within fifty kilometers of international borders for non-essential goods, excluding specific locations like city municipal limits, customs areas, and international airports. However, for essential commodities listed under the Customs Act, their operations extend to bordering districts of Balochistan adjacent to Afghanistan, including certain highways and municipal limits.

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Importantly, LEA personnel are prohibited from inspecting baggage and goods cleared from customs areas of legitimate passengers. Instead, their role primarily supports customs officers in their functions as outlined by the Customs Act, 1969. Furthermore, goods suspected of being smuggled must be deposited only in state warehouses approved by the Collector of Customs, ensuring proper handling and accountability.

Similar considerations apply to the delegation of powers to the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), aligning their efforts with those of other LEAs to curb smuggling activities effectively.