ISLAMABAD: The Model Customs Collectorate Peshawar has decided to evolve a new strategy for prevention of smuggling from FATA. Under the new anti-smuggling strategy, the Pakistan Customs will seek the assistance of the Frontier Corps (FC), Frontier Constabulary, Political Administration, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and Motorway. A meeting will be held in this connection at the office of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Islamabad.
The strategy was finalized in a meeting held at the Customs House Peshawar with Collector Customs Qurban Ali Khan in the chair. Those who attended the meeting included all Additional Collectors, Deputy Collector (Headquarters), Assistant Collector (Anti-Smuggling North), Assistant Collector Kohat and other officials of the anti-smuggling.
The meeting reviewed, in detail, the shifting of the smuggled goods from different tribal areas to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and later their supply to Punjab through G.T. Road and Motorway. The meeting expressed concern not only at the loss of revenue but also bearing negative impact on legal import, trade and industries. The meeting was told that the smuggling is done through commuters’ vehicles including coaches, buses and motorcars. The issue of the shifting of non-customs paid (NCP) vehicles from FATA to Malakand Division also came under discussion. In the wake of such issues; the customs authorities have evolved a new anti-smuggling strategy.
