Smuggling of goods from Afghanistan controlled, claims FBR

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue claims that it has controlled the smuggling of goods from Afghanistan to Pakistan under the Afghan Transit Trade. 

However, independent reports suggest still more than 50 percent of the total goods are being smuggled back to Pakistan.  FBR spokesperson Dr Iqbal while talking to The News said though a hundred percent control over smuggling from Afghanistan border is impossible; however, the situation has improved a lot over the last few years. 

“Smuggling might be occurring on small scale as the entire border is not manageable. However, due to continuous hard work of Customs intelligence it has significantly reduced”. Besides the border management, we are now focusing on the domestic markets and imposing heavy fines on those selling smuggled goods including cigarettes, clothes etc. The policy of domestic surveillance of smuggled goods is much more effective as it could be detected easily, we have controlled it on the borders as well, the FBR spokesperson added. 

According to sources, nearly 70 percent of the total goods exported to Afghanistan under the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) are smuggled back to Pakistan through various points. It was learnt that last year, more than Rs100 billion worth of goods were smuggled back to Pakistan. Lack of proper measures to control the incessant flow of smuggled items especially drugs and multinational cigarettes brands through the porous Durand Line from Afghanistan into Pakistan has caused an estimated Rs100 billion loss to the national kitty over the last two years alone.

It claimed that in 2016, around d 43,000 containers, with goods worth $2.2 billion, were transported to Afghanistan.  The source further informed that another threat from this porous border is the unchecked smuggling of drugs and tobacco, which is not only resulting in loss of billions to the government but also ruining our nation’s youth.

Smuggled packs of famous multinational cigarette brand “Marlboro” are commonly sold in the markets of Pakistan. The cigarette box have clear markings of “for export only” mentioned on it hints on the fact that it is not meant to be sold in the local market. 

As per Framework Alliance Report, the taxes evaded by such organised methods amounts to billions. Another lucrative smuggling that involves billions in revenue is that of vehicles. Around 2,000 non-Customs paid vehicles and spareparts are smuggled into Pakistan. These vehicles are then taken to different parts through different routes passing through Zhob, Waziristan, DI Khan, Malakand Division and Mianwali. 

The source further informed that with proper resources and huge manpower, FC controls around 18km area inside Fata while political administration has the power to use Customs department’s power inside Fata. On the other hand, Customs department has to monitor the 2,400km-long border with just 300 men and limited resources. “Given such meagre resources, it is impossible for us to control these illegal businesses that involve around 50,000 people most of them with strong political backing”. 

The source further informed that the department requested the federal government to recruit 1,800 men, including 100 constables, 300 inspectors and clerical staff but nothing has been done so far. “The government could avoid this Rs100 billion loss by spending just Rs2 billion but who cares,” he added.