KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued SRO 1401(I)/2023 on Saturday making it compulsory to examine 25% consignments of transit goods will be selected for scanning and 10% consignments shall be examined by the Risk Management System (RMS).
The SRO affected certain amendments in Customs Rules.
Moreover, the bonded carriers or customs agents filing the GD are required to submit bank guarantee with the customs to cover the leviable duty and taxes in the GD for customs security. The GD shall be assessed by the Customs Computerized System (CCS) or assessing officer on the pattern of GDs filed for local home consumption.
The authorized customs agents, brokers or transport operators in Pakistan shall furnish financial security in the form of bank guarantee for goods destined for Afghanistan valid for at least one year and encashable in Pakistan, for guaranteeing the fulfillment of any obligation arising out of customs transit operations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The amount of bank guarantee for transit operations shall be determined by system on the basis of the assessment done by Customs Computerized System or assessing officer at the office of departure so that it covers all import levies.
An official said the examination and scanning of transit cargo would surely unveil gross mis-declaration. Scanning and examination of transit cargo was not allowed due to the influence of politicians patronizing smuggling through transit trade.
Most of the Afghan transit cargo is either pilfered during the transit through the country, or smuggled back into the country.
It is established that money made through this dirty business was the primary source of terrorist financing. Besides, being the reason of several economic problems in Pakistan.
The official said recommendations had been forwarded to FBR and government many a times regarding scanning/examination of Afghan transit cargo, as well as collection of leviable duty and taxes in advance, but no democratic government implemented these vital measures because certain parliamentarians were directly involved in smuggling and many were beneficiaries.
These anti-smuggling measures will go a long way in supporting country’s economy, easing pressure on the currency, providing level playing field for local industry, and improving law and order situation in the country.
It is an established fact that non locals are primarily involved in crimes and other illegal activities, because they can always escape to their native areas in case of things getting wrong. And after the dust settles, they return and start doing the criminal activities. These elements are largely patronized by political families, and corrupt government personnel for their personal gains i.e. bribes.
Government has given ultimatum to all illegal foreign nationals to leave Pakistan by the end of this month. This would bring much needed relief to the societies and localities in the country.
Despite much dismay of certain political personalities, corrupt bureaucracy, and certain so called businessmen, Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir is making all the right decisions without any discrimination or personal interests, which is unprecedented.
COAS General Asim Munir is taking personal interest in anti-smuggling and anti-corruption campaigns, which are underway at a rapid pace and have already delivered outstanding results. This is for the first time that institutions are strong and independent.