Karachi, December 11, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued specific instructions to Pakistan Customs for ensuring the seamless collection and transfer of duties and taxes on Saturdays.
This directive aims to enhance revenue operations and facilitate efficient financial processes.
In an official communication addressed to the Chief Collectors of Customs across all regions—Appraisement-South (Karachi), Appraisement-Punjab (Lahore), Appraisement-North KPK (Peshawar), and Appraisement-Baluchistan (Quetta)—the FBR emphasized the need for prompt and accurate handling of customs duties and tax collections on weekends.
The FBR stated that to ensure the same-day transfer of duties and taxes collected on Saturdays to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), it is imperative to establish a coordinated mechanism. For this purpose, Chief Collectors have been directed to liaise closely with both the State Bank of Pakistan and the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). These institutions have been requested to keep authorized bank branches operational on Saturdays until further notice to facilitate this process.
This move underscores the FBR’s commitment to streamlining tax collection procedures and minimizing delays in revenue transfers. By enabling weekend operations, the FBR aims to address any backlog and ensure uninterrupted financial transactions, which are vital for maintaining the government’s fiscal responsibilities.
Furthermore, the FBR highlighted the importance of collaboration between Pakistan Customs, the SBP, and NBP to implement these directives efficiently. The extended operational hours of authorized branches on Saturdays will not only support businesses that rely on customs services but also contribute to the overall economic activity by reducing transactional delays.
The FBR has reiterated its focus on enhancing transparency and efficiency in revenue collection processes. This initiative aligns with broader reforms aimed at improving the country’s fiscal performance and meeting revenue targets.
Customs officials and stakeholders have been encouraged to provide feedback and report any challenges faced during the implementation of these instructions to ensure a smooth transition and effective execution. The FBR remains committed to facilitating trade and optimizing its operational framework to bolster Pakistan’s economic stability.
