Islamabad, February 1, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched criminal proceedings against a customs officer, several customs agents, and private individuals accused of tampering with the recently introduced Faceless Customs Assessment System—a key initiative designed to bring efficiency, transparency, and uniformity to customs clearance operations.
In an official statement, Pakistan Customs confirmed that its vigilance teams successfully foiled a clandestine attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the Faceless Customs Assessment System. Foreseeing potential misuse, FBR had already instructed Karachi Customs to exercise heightened scrutiny over system operations. The latest developments affirm FBR’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and malpractice within customs procedures.
As part of stringent enforcement actions, Karachi Customs has suspended the licenses of 45 customs agents allegedly complicit in this illicit activity. These individuals have also been served show-cause notices under the Customs Agents Rules, demanding explanations for their involvement. Additionally, an appraising officer found guilty of collusion was immediately suspended, with formal disciplinary inquiries initiated under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules.
To ensure accountability, criminal charges have been filed against all implicated parties, including customs officials, private entities, and brokers who attempted to subvert the system’s integrity. A dedicated investigation team has been formed to probe the matter comprehensively. So far, three individuals have been arrested, while search operations and raids are actively underway to apprehend remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
Despite this security breach attempt, the Faceless Customs Assessment System remains fully operational and robust, continuing to facilitate swift, automated, and corruption-free customs clearances without unnecessary bureaucratic delays. The initiative has been widely praised by trade stakeholders as a groundbreaking advancement in customs processing, streamlining procedures while eliminating opportunities for human interference.
This revolutionary system was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan approximately two weeks ago, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernizing trade regulations and enhancing transparency in the customs framework. FBR has reaffirmed its stance that any individual attempting to disrupt this reformative mechanism will face the full force of the law.