Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah has made a significant decision regarding the handling of smuggled vehicles in Pakistan.
According to the FTO, Non-Custom Paid (NCP) vehicles are being intercepted, seized, and auctioned under provincial laws rather than the Federal Customs Act of 1969, which is the relevant federal legislation governing such cases.
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah highlighted a serious lack of coordination and cooperation between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and provincial departments, leading to inconsistencies in enforcement.
He emphasized that such administrative gaps create confusion over jurisdiction and legal authority, ultimately hindering the proper implementation of customs regulations.
The decision calls for clear alignment between federal and provincial authorities to ensure that actions taken against smuggled or non-custom-paid vehicles strictly comply with federal customs laws.