The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has dissolved the Customs Intelligence department due to poor performance and allegations of involvement in smuggling, according to reports.
According to the details, the FBR has overhauled the Customs Intelligence and Investigation division, reducing its role to merely overseeing operations. The department’s power to halt or clear consignments has also been revoked.
A notification issued by the FBR Chairman, under the Prime Minister’s directives, outlines the new organizational reforms. These changes mean that Customs Intelligence officers will no longer have the authority to conduct raids or engage in sting operations.
The notification also directs the immediate transfer of all cases and records to the Director General Enforcement, with November 12 set as the deadline for this process.
Customs Intelligence offices in Rawalpindi, Multan, Hyderabad, and Gwadar have already been closed, with the remaining offices nationwide expected to shut down within 10 to 15 days.
Additionally, all powers previously held by the Customs Intelligence department will now be transferred to the Director General Enforcement. The department’s warehouses and staff will also be handed over.
In July, the FBR, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s orders, removed 27 senior officials from their positions. This included 16 officers of grade 20 from the Inland Revenue Services and 11 officers of grade 20 from the Customs group, based on intelligence reports.
