The Federal Board of Revenue has decided to establish Digital Enforcement Stations across the country to curb smuggling and illegal trade, and has sought Rs. 10 billion for the initiative, official sources told ProPakistani.
The proposed digital enforcement stations will be fully empowered to take action against smuggling and unlawful trade activities. Individuals involved in smuggling will be arrested through these stations.
Sources said the new digital enforcement stations are aimed at strengthening border and inland enforcement by replacing traditional check posts with technology-driven monitoring systems. Existing check posts will also be converted into digital enforcement stations under the plan.
The digital stations will operate under defined rules, operational procedures, and technology frameworks to ensure effective enforcement. Advanced tools will be used to monitor the movement of goods and identify illegal trade activities.
To address staffing gaps, FBR plans to hire retired officers and personnel from the armed forces on contract, particularly for vacant positions at these enforcement stations.
FBR believes the establishment of digital enforcement stations will significantly improve efforts to control smuggling and undocumented trade, which continue to cause heavy losses to the national exchequer.