QUETTA: In a significant move, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has granted officers of the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North and South) the authority to perform customs duties within their respective jurisdictions. This decision, effective immediately, is in accordance with Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969.
The FBR has outlined specific conditions for this new mandate:
1. The Frontier Corps will operate exclusively within the province of Balochistan.
2. Their duties will exclude customs areas, stations, ports, border customs stations, international airports, and bonded warehouses.
3. Frontier Corps personnel are prohibited from inspecting the baggage and goods of bona fide passengers cleared by customs.
4. They must ensure that their activities do not hinder the flow of legitimate trade, imports, exports, or the general public.
5. The Frontier Corps will assist customs officers in their duties as per Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1969.
6. Any goods suspected of being smuggled must be deposited in a state warehouse approved by the Collector of Customs.
7. The commanding officer of each Frontier Corps formation must submit monthly seizure reports to the Collector of Customs (Enforcement) by the 5th of each month.
8. Seized goods will be handled according to the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969.
This initiative aims to bolster the enforcement of customs regulations and combat smuggling activities within Balochistan, while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade.