Islamabad, November 27, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has welcomed a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of Pakistan reaffirming the confiscation of vehicles involved in transporting smuggled goods.
The decision relates to the applicability of SRO 499(I)/2009, amended through SRO 1619(I)/2024, in CPLA No. 3886/2025, Taj Muhammad vs. Collector Customs Enforcement, Peshawar.
According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the ruling significantly enhances the legal framework available to Pakistan Customs by strengthening its authority to act against vehicles used for smuggling activities. The Supreme Court’s clarity on enforcement powers is expected to support more robust anti-smuggling operations across the country.
One of the major outcomes of the verdict is that Customs formations nationwide are now authorized to dispose of more than 1,000 seized and confiscated vehicles through public auctions. These auctions are projected to generate over Rs 8 billion, providing a notable boost to the national exchequer.
The FBR emphasized that this timely decision will help deter habitual smugglers, facilitate the speedy disposal of long-stuck vehicles under Section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969, and improve efficiency in enforcement actions. The strengthened mechanism will also contribute to enhanced revenue collection and more effective anti-smuggling measures in the future.