Karachi, July 5, 2024 – The Finance Act, 2024, has empowered the officers of Pakistan Customs to seek assistance from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for resolving particular cases.
This move aims to bolster the capabilities of customs officials in combating smuggling, tax evasion, and other related offenses by leveraging the expertise and resources of the IB.
The newly granted powers are a result of amendments made to Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1969. The updated Section 7 now mandates that Customs officers from various federal and provincial government departments, including the Intelligence Bureau, Inland Revenue, Police, National Highways and Pakistan Motorway Police, Civil Armed Forces, Border Military Police (BMP), Provincial Levies, Khasadar Force, and land-revenue collection officers, are required to assist customs officers in the discharge of their duties.
The amended Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1969, now reads as follows:
“Section 7 – Assistance to the officers of customs. All officers of Federal and Provincial Governments, including Inland Revenue, Police, Intelligence Bureau, National Highways and Pakistan Motorway Police, Civil Armed Forces, Border Military Police (BMP), Provincial Levies, Khasadar Force, and officers engaged in the collection of land-revenue are hereby empowered and required to assist the officers of customs in the discharge of their functions under this Act. The provision of assistance so requested shall be binding.”
This amendment is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Pakistan Customs by enabling a more coordinated approach to enforcement activities. The inclusion of the Intelligence Bureau, known for its intelligence-gathering and investigative prowess, is particularly noteworthy. This collaboration is anticipated to bring a higher level of scrutiny and expertise to customs operations, aiding in the identification and prosecution of complex smuggling and tax evasion cases.
The move is part of a broader effort by the Pakistani government to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and improve revenue collection. By facilitating inter-agency cooperation, the government aims to create a more robust and integrated framework for addressing financial crimes.
Overall, the Finance Act, 2024, marks a pivotal step in empowering Pakistan Customs with the necessary tools and support to fulfill their mandate effectively. The collaborative efforts of various governmental departments, especially the Intelligence Bureau, are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the integrity and efficiency of customs operations across the country.