KARACHI: In a move that has triggered widespread concern across trade, legal circles as well as most officers and officials, Pakistan Customs has begun purging import-export data older than five years from its central digital repository, WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs), raising serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the future of ongoing investigations.
The data purge, initiated in March 2025, coincides with the gradual phasing out of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) and its transition to the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) platform.
Sources within Customs confirmed that the older records are being shifted to an undisclosed location, rendering them inaccessible not only to PRAL but also to most Customs officials. Only the Deputy Collector RMS (Risk Management System) will retain limited access to legacy data, effectively centralizing control and restricting oversight.
The ramifications of this policy shift are far-reaching:
Audit Disruption: Statutory audits mandated under SRO 678(I)/2004 for for oil and gas imports are conducted after 5 years for leviable surcharges or recovery against such disposed of imports. Similarly, audits of SRO 492(I)/2009 are conducted by concerned Sections after 2 years of such imports.
Court Cases Jeopardized: Several court cases involving customs fraud and misdeclaration—some dating back more than five years—are still under litigation. Legal experts warn that the removal of digital evidence could severely undermine prosecution efforts and delay or derail revenue recovery.
Pending Recoveries at Risk: Billions of rupees in pending recoveries are documented in hard copies but no longer reflected in the digital system. This disconnect between physical and electronic records could lead to write-offs or prolonged disputes.
Customs insiders say the purge effectively grants a “clean chit” to crimes committed more than five years ago. With digital trails erased, investigators lose access to critical clues and transaction histories that could expose smuggling networks, under-invoicing schemes, and other financial irregularities.
The removal of historical import-export data also affects trader profiling. Risk management systems rely on long-term behavioral patterns to flag suspicious activity. Without access to older records, Customs may struggle to identify repeat offenders or assess compliance trends.
An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized the move as “a flawed policy by flawed policymakers,” warning that it undermines institutional memory and weakens Pakistan’s trade governance framework.
As PRAL’s operational footprint shrinks and PSW takes center stage, stakeholders are calling for urgent policy review and safeguards to ensure that digital transitions do not come at the cost of accountability, auditability, and justice.