The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has dismantled the Customs Intelligence Department, citing poor performance and alleged complicity in smuggling activities.
According to the details, the FBR has reorganized the Customs Intelligence and Investigation division, limiting its activities to surveillance only. The division’s authority to detain or clear shipments has been revoked.
Under new guidelines issued by the FBR Chairman, following directives from the Prime Minister, the department has undergone significant restructuring. The notification sets out a new organizational framework, stripping Customs Intelligence of the ability to conduct raids or undercover operations.
Further instructions from the notification require the immediate transfer of all cases and records to the Director General (DG) Enforcement, with a completion deadline of November 12.
The closure of Customs Intelligence offices in Rawalpindi, Multan, Hyderabad, and Gwadar has been completed. Plans are to shut down the remaining national offices within 10 to 15 days.
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All responsibilities previously held by Customs Intelligence have been reallocated to the Director General of Enforcement. This transition also includes the transfer of the department’s warehouses and personnel to the DG Enforcement.
Earlier reports from July revealed that, following orders from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the FBR discharged 27 high-ranking officials. Based on intelligence reports, this included 16 officers from the Inland Revenue Services and 11 from the Customs group, all of grade 20.
