Interior ministry asks FBR to curb smuggling
100% increase in smuggling of animals recorded before Eid, says ministry.
ISLAMABAD:
The interior ministry has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to adopt a consolidated approach and implement firm measures to curb the smuggling of livestock to Afghanistan and Iran.
According to a senior official of the FBR, the interior ministry communicated in a letter to the FBR that the smuggling of livestock, including goats, cows and sheep, doubled during the days leading up to Eidul Azha. The letter said that if this continued unchecked, then the country will face a serious shortage of meat and livestock.
The ministry has suggested that the FBR restore anti-smuggling operations as part of the jurisdiction of levies, Frontier Corps, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rangers, amongst other paramilitary forces to address this issue.
In response, the FBR has issued orders to the intelligence and investigation department, the customs department and the anti-smuggling wing. The FBR is also considering commissioning a study on the smuggling of livestock.
Sources indicate that the FBR is gathering data and intelligence on those involved in the smuggling of livestock and will take action against the smugglers soon.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2010.
The interior ministry has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to adopt a consolidated approach and implement firm measures to curb the smuggling of livestock to Afghanistan and Iran.
According to a senior official of the FBR, the interior ministry communicated in a letter to the FBR that the smuggling of livestock, including goats, cows and sheep, doubled during the days leading up to Eidul Azha. The letter said that if this continued unchecked, then the country will face a serious shortage of meat and livestock.
The ministry has suggested that the FBR restore anti-smuggling operations as part of the jurisdiction of levies, Frontier Corps, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rangers, amongst other paramilitary forces to address this issue.
In response, the FBR has issued orders to the intelligence and investigation department, the customs department and the anti-smuggling wing. The FBR is also considering commissioning a study on the smuggling of livestock.
Sources indicate that the FBR is gathering data and intelligence on those involved in the smuggling of livestock and will take action against the smugglers soon.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2010.