FBR Restructures Customs Intelligence, Withdraws Powers

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced major reforms in the Customs Intelligence and Investigation division, reducing its role to mere monitoring. As part of the restructuring, Customs Intelligence officers will no longer have the authority to stop or release consignments.

A notification was issued by the FBR Chairman under the directives of the Prime Minister, detailing the changes and the new organizational structure. According to the plan, Customs Intelligence will also lose the power to conduct raids or sting operations.

The notification orders the immediate transfer of all cases and records to the Director General (DG) Enforcement, with a deadline of November 12 set for the completion of these transfers. Customs Intelligence offices in Rawalpindi, Multan, Hyderabad, and Gwadar have already been shut down, with the remaining offices across the country expected to close within 10 to 15 days.

All powers, warehouses, and staff of the Customs Intelligence department will now be transferred to the DG Enforcement, as per the notification. These changes mark a significant shift in the operational structure of Customs Intelligence in Pakistan.

Tags: Customs Intelligence