ISLAMABAD: Lack of requisite financial resources and multifarious challenges being confronted by the Federal Board of Revenue have been hampering the installation of scanners at all exit/entry points on Pak-Afghan border under Integrated Border Management (IBM).
As per details, the FBR has been finding it hard to materialize the project of scanners installation as each scanner costs more than Rs40 million. Although some quarters are describing the delay as indifference and apathy on part of the FBR, lack of financial resources is the main cause that has been restraining the board’s efforts to go all-out for executing the project. Moreover, the FBR has reportedly forwarded a summary to the higher authorities for special allocation for the project.
It is to be recalled that FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa had assured the Supreme Court of installing scanners at all exit/entry points of Pak-Afghan border under IBM to monitor reverse Nato/ISAF military cargoes. In view of the US-led Nato forces drawdown by the end 2014, the apex court had directed the installation of scanners on the Pak-Afghan border points to avert the possibility of military equipment and gadgets falling into the hands of militants.
Currently, there are no scanners at Chaman and Torkham to monitor Nato/Isaf reverse cargoes despite the fact that both these border checkpoints are the most volatile areas. The customs officials posted there are at high risk as they cannot go out from the Collectorate without security convoy. However, the FBR has been striving hard for effective vigilance of inward and outward movement of cargoes and making available a foolproof security system.
