The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has established six new Model Customs Collectorates across the country in order to increase enforcement and anti-smuggling efforts.
According to sources, the FBR has issued a notification in this regard.
Islamabad Airport, Khuzhdar, Dera Ismail Khan, SAPT Karachi, Appraisement-West, Lahore, and Appraisement-East, Lahore have all received new customs Collectorates.
The total number of Model Customs Collectorates was now 35, including seven Chief Collector of Customs offices.
Officials added that the new Model Customs Collectorates were created to improve revenue collection from customs clearances and imports.
The Operations arm of Pakistan Customs has taken aggressive measures to combat illicit currency movement, which is the primary tool used for money laundering and moving criminal proceeds in and out of the country.
The current leadership of Customs Operations FBR, as well as the effective control measures implemented by enforcement collectorates, have resulted in approximately Rs. 450 million in seizures from July 2018 to April 2019, compared to Rs.150 million in the same period last year, representing a more than 200% increase.
More than 30 people have been arrested for currency smuggling this year, with investigations continuing to uncover their domestic/international connections.
To read our blog on “FBR imposed a $5,000 cash-carrying cap on international travel,” click here