ISLAMABAD: In a decisive effort to bolster the government’s anti-smuggling initiatives, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed key government agencies, particularly the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs, to implement rigorous measures against smuggling nationwide.
A pivotal element of this campaign is the recent amendment to S.R.O.499(I)/2009, introduced through SRO 1619(I)/2024 on October 3, 2024. This change grants authorities the power to confiscate vehicles and other conveyances used in the transportation of smuggled goods.
Announced earlier this month, the amendment underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating smuggling, which has long undermined the nation’s economy by depriving it of vital revenue and fostering an informal market.
Under the new regulations, all conveyances involved in smuggling are subject to immediate confiscation, with no option for redemption fine, marking a significant departure from previous policies that allowed offenders to recover seized vehicles by paying a fee.
The Chairman of the FBR has urged Customs officials and law enforcement agencies to swiftly implement this amendment through coordinated actions, ensuring that all conveyances used in smuggling operations are permanently removed from circulation.
These renewed efforts signal Pakistan’s determination to secure its economic borders and hold those engaged in the illicit economy accountable. The recent amendment is part of a broader strategy aimed at combating smuggling and protecting the integrity of Pakistan’s economy.
