Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: In order to improve operational efficiency, eradicate redundancy, and bolster revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set in motion an important restructuring of the Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation (Customs).
A committee of PCS officers was constituted on August 23, 2024, to streamline efforts, which led to the establishment of Working Groups tasked with translating the recommendations into actionable measures.
The reorganization proposal, presented to the Prime Minister on September 19, 2024, received his approval in principle. Central to this reform is the removal of enforcement duties from the Directorate General, such as anti-smuggling operations, which will now be handled by the newly established office of the Director General (Enforcement). The Directorate’s enforcement activities will be restricted to occasional ‘sting operations’ with prior approval.
A detailed plan has been introduced, including the closure of several regional directorates and the transfer of resources to the new enforcement office. The Directorate is required to complete a range of preparatory tasks, such as inventory audits and case reviews, by November 12, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition. An SRO and a new Charter of Functions are expected soon to formalize these changes.
