The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended special anti-smuggling powers for several law enforcement agencies until June 30, 2027. The decision allows personnel from Pakistan Rangers, Frontier Corps, Pakistan Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to perform specified Customs functions.
These powers will apply within their respective jurisdictions and aim to strengthen enforcement along Pakistan’s international borders and coastline.
The FBR issued four notifications under Section 6 of the Customs Act, 1969.
The notifications cover the Frontier Corps, Pakistan Rangers, Pakistan Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
Rangers and Frontier Corps Receive Customs Powers
Under the latest notifications, Frontier Corps Balochistan personnel can perform specified Customs functions within their jurisdictions. Another notification assigns certain Customs powers to Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North and South.
These powers will primarily support anti-smuggling operations along Pakistan’s international borders.
However, Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel can exercise the assigned powers within 50 kilometers of international borders.
Their jurisdiction excludes several areas, including city municipal limits, Customs areas and Customs stations.
The exclusions also cover ports, Border Customs stations, international airports and bonded warehouses.
Therefore, the expanded powers will focus mainly on border areas rather than established Customs locations.
Coast Guard Gets Extended Enforcement Authority
The FBR has also authorized Pakistan Coast Guard personnel to perform specific Customs functions. These include checking and seizing goods suspected of being smuggled.
The Coast Guard’s authority will extend up to 50 kilometers from the coastline.
However, similar restrictions will apply around ports, Customs areas, city municipal limits and international airports. The latest notification replaces an earlier notification issued in July 2023.
It will remain effective until June 30, 2027. Before its expiry, the Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement will submit a performance report to the FBR.
The board may extend the Coast Guard’s powers if officials demonstrate satisfactory performance and comply with prescribed conditions.
PMSA Receives Customs Enforcement Powers
Separately, the FBR has assigned Pakistan Maritime Security Agency personnel specific Customs enforcement responsibilities. These powers include the detention and seizure of suspected smuggled goods. The notification replaces the corresponding order issued in July 2023 and takes effect immediately.
The FBR has directed PMSA personnel to exercise these powers carefully during enforcement operations.
Officials must also ensure that legitimate trade, imports and exports face no unnecessary disruption. Furthermore, the agency must avoid creating unnecessary difficulties for the general public.
Overall, the notifications strengthen cooperation between Customs authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The extended powers are expected to support anti-smuggling operations along Pakistan’s borders and coastline through June 30, 2027.
