ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued strict instructions to field formation for preventing smuggling of food items out of the country.

An official statement issued here on Friday said the FBR has directed the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation Customs, Islamabad; Chief Collector of Customs, Baluchistan, Quetta; and Chief Collector of Customs, North, Islamabad to implement the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The premier has taken a serious notice of the shortage of food items — wheat/wheat flour, sugar, maize, maida, poultry, fresh fruits, vegetables and livestock — in the country and has directed that all efforts may be made to control their smuggling.

The federal government introduced Covid-19 (Prevention of Smuggling) Ordinance, 2020 to empower law enforcement agencies to stop the smuggling of food items, the FBR added.

The tax body has directed Customs to deploy all possible resources for the said task and make all endeavours in its areas of jurisdiction to control smuggling, especially of food items. The Customs authorities have been further asked to keep close liaison with law enforcement agencies.

It has asked to ensure strict vigilance at the time of clearance of export consignments to thwart any attempt of mis-declaration/smuggling of these items.

The FBR has directed the relevant agencies to submit details of steps taken and achieved results with the board and a fortnightly report on the 1st and 16th of every month, highlighting anti-smuggling performance in their areas.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2020