The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken a significant step to bolster its fight against illicit trade by formally establishing the Customs Command Fund (CCF) through SRO 908(I)/2025. This dedicated fund aims to enhance the operational capacity of Customs enforcement, improve intelligence gathering, and provide crucial support for anti-smuggling operations across Pakistan.
The creation of the CCF within each Customs Enforcement Collectorate and the office of the Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement) underscores the FBR’s commitment to tackling the pervasive issue of smuggling that impacts national revenue and economic stability.
Incentivizing Intelligence and Rewarding Excellence
A cornerstone of the new CCF is its provision for both informers and Customs personnel. The SRO allows for upfront payments to informers who provide actionable intelligence that leads to the successful apprehension of smugglers and the seizure of smuggled goods. To encourage public cooperation, the amount disbursed to an informer in a single case will not exceed Rs. 500,000. This mechanism is designed to incentivize citizens to actively report illegal activities, strengthening the intelligence network vital for enforcement.
Furthermore, the CCF will facilitate special rewards for Customs officers and officials of the Enforcement Collectorate who demonstrate “extraordinary efforts” in tracing, interdiction, and seizure of smuggled goods, as well as in related investigations. These special rewards will be sanctioned based on clear documentary evidence of exceptional contribution, with the reward for an individual officer not exceeding two years’ basic salary. This provision aims to motivate and recognize the dedication of officers on the front lines of the anti-smuggling campaign.
Funding Critical Operational Support
Beyond incentives, the CCF is designed to cover essential logistical and operational expenses that extend beyond regular budgetary allocations. This includes:
- Intelligence Gathering: Direct funding for crucial intelligence gathering activities and undercover operations.
- Logistics and Management: Costs associated with the transportation, secure storage, proper disposal, and destruction of seized smuggled goods.
- Welfare in Hard Areas: Provision for essential supplies, rations, utilities, safety gear, and other vital equipment for Customs staff deployed in challenging and high-risk anti-smuggling environments, such as choke points, check-posts, mobile squads, and Digital Enforcement Stations (DES). This ensures the well-being and operational readiness of personnel working in arduous conditions.
Structured Management and Accountability
To ensure transparency and efficient utilization of funds, each Customs Collectorate will establish a dedicated CCF Committee responsible for managing the fund. These committees will hold the authority to authorize and sanction expenditures strictly in accordance with the rules outlined in the SRO.
The establishment of the Customs Command Fund marks a proactive and strategic initiative by the FBR to empower its Customs enforcement arm with enhanced financial flexibility and direct support. This move is expected to significantly boost Pakistan’s capability to combat smuggling, protect national revenues, and ensure the integrity of the country’s borders.
