The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to launch a crackdown on individuals selling smuggled goods through social media platforms, according to sources.
Starting January 1, 2026, monitoring will begin of those selling non-customs-paid items online.
Officials will collect data on sellers dealing in smuggled goods, including those offering entire lots for sale. Various tools will be used to identify and track these sellers, and authorities will obtain details of their contact numbers.
The data collection will cover sellers of smuggled electronics, household appliances, shoes, clothing, makeup products and accessories, blankets, bedsheets, carpets, tires, vehicle parts, laptops, Chromebooks, computers, stoves, cooking ranges, ovens, crockery, juicers, choppers, dried fruits, canned foods, jams, jellies, furniture, showpieces, tiles, sanitary fittings, and other items.
Authorities will use email addresses and mobile numbers to trace those involved in the sale of smuggled goods. Assistance from NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) will also be sought to identify sellers. Notices will be issued to individuals found selling smuggled items on social media, according to FBR sources.
MERELY EYE WASH….
SOME ROGUE ELEMENTS REPRESENTING FBR IS PART AND PARCEL OF THIS ILLEGAL TRADE…..
SEE THE LINK:
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40393913/ncp-products-recommendation-by-fto-remains-unimplemented
A highly significant recommendation issued by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) against officers of the Inland Revenue and Customs wings of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reportedly remained unimplemented, raising serious concerns over institutional apathy towards curbing large-scale tax evasion and organized sale of non-custom paid (NCP) goods.
matter arises out of FTO C. No. 1763 titled Waheed Shahzad Butt vs. Secretary, Revenue Division, wherein the FTO took serious notice of allegations that private tax fraud gangs are openly involved in the sale of NCP products across Pakistan with the alleged connivance and facilitation of certain Customs and (IRS) officials. The FTO observed that such activities have caused massive losses to the national exchequer and severely undermined the integrity of the taxation system.
FTO directed the FBR to initiate disciplinary proceedings against officers who failed to submit comments and effectively respond to the complaint, terming such conduct as gross negligence and maladministration. FTO further ordered the Directorates of (I&I), Customs and I&I, IRS to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, identify responsible officials, and fix accountability in accordance with law.
Notably, acting on a public interest complaint filed by Shahzad Butt, the FTO also directed the Chairman FBR to conduct an in-depth investigation with the assistance of the (FIA) and other relevant agencies, and to submit a detailed report on the findings. Despite the clarity and gravity of these directions, no visible progress has been reported, prompting serious questions about FBR’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law.
alleged fraud networks are operating through illegally opened and improperly monitored microfinance and digital payment accounts, including platforms such as JazzCash and Easypaisa, to facilitate the sale and distribution of NCP goods nationwide, allegedly with little to no effective oversight by tax and customs authorities.
continued non-implementation of FTO recommendations not only weakens accountability mechanisms but also emboldens organized tax evasion, ultimately burdening honest taxpayers and eroding public confidence in Pakistan’s revenue administration.
Cafe Imran per FBR kiun raid nahi karta? Becoz of his connections?
Fbr basically wants the country to turn into bangladesh.
at least they wake up after 3 years
I don’t think FBR has capability to stop smuggling.