ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Customs detected 6,660 cases of seizures, mis-declaration or under/over invoicing involving an amount of customs duty and other taxes of Rs 15.825 billion in the last two fiscal years; 2013-14 and 2012-13.
“In this connection, 110 FIRs were lodged whereas 179 persons have been arrested; resultantly, an amount of Rs 2,425.978 million has been recovered so far,” a well-placed source at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told this scribe.
Moreover, the remaining cases are being pursued diligently at different judicial/quasi-judicial with an effort to recover the evaded amount along with fine and penalties. The government has taken stern measures to eliminate smuggling, which include intelligence sharing, launching of joint operations and provisions of support and facilitation to the Customs Authorities by the law enforcement agencies.
In this regard, coordination is being increased among Frontiers Corps, Coast Guards and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to check the smuggling of contraband goods.
Sources said that the total value of goods seized in last two years is Rs 12.738 billion; Rs 7.409 billion in previous fiscal year 2013-14, while Rs 5.328 billion in the fiscal year 2012-13.
Pre-inspection survey and post exportation audit of concessionary imports/exports regimes are regularly conducted. Investigation and Prosecution Wings of Pakistan Customs field formations have been strengthened to enable them to investigate and pursue cases effectively to establish deterrence against tax evaders.
The FBR has been pursuing outstanding government dues relentlessly. The FBR is deploying and posting the skilled professionals at sensitive stations to stop the revenue leakage.
The action against tax evaders of customs duty and taxes is taken under the provisions of Sections 32, 32A and 202 of the Customs Act, 1969 read with Customs Rules, 2001 which includes criminal as well as quasi-judicial proceedings.
