he Federal Board of Revenue has taken a major step toward digitalizing Pakistan’s trade monitoring by officially signing the contract for the Strategic Feasibility Assessment and Solution Design of the National Cargo Tracking System (CTS) and the e-Bilty Mechanism.
Funded by the World Bank under the Pakistan Raises Revenue Program (PRRP), the initiative is led by the National Targeting Center. The project aims to replace the traditional, paper-based Bilty with a centralized, technology-driven electronic transport waybill (e-Bilty).
Currently, reliance on manual checks by multiple agencies and paper documentation causes delays, creates bottlenecks, and opens avenues for tax evasion and smuggling. The CTS platform will enable real-time tracking of commercial cargo from origin to destination. Each e-Bilty will feature a unique, instantly verifiable QR code, helping Customs enforcement teams identify compliant and non-compliant cargo efficiently.
“This initiative is a cornerstone of our vision for a digital and transparent economy,” said the Chairman FBR during the signing ceremony. “By integrating CTS with systems like WeBOC, STRIVE, and the Anti-Smuggling Portal, we are closing loopholes for fake invoices and mis-declared goods, ensuring a level playing field for honest businesses and securing national revenue.”
The Member Customs Operations added
“The goal is to facilitate trade by minimizing physical inspections and delays. CTS will empower officers with risk-based data, transforming enforcement from manual roadblocks to intelligent, digital monitoring.”
The signed contract initiates a comprehensive assessment and technical design phase. The consulting firm selected for the project will:
- Analyze international best practices for cargo tracking.
- Evaluate high-level ICT infrastructure needs.
- Review the legal and policy framework.
- Deliver a detailed system architecture and implementation roadmap.
This blueprint will pave the way for nationwide deployment of the CTS, aligning Pakistan’s logistics and transit trade regulations with global standards.
