The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has implemented new measures to enhance the monitoring and transportation of transit shipments to Afghanistan, according to reports from Pakistani media.
The updated process replaces human supervision with satellite tracking technology to oversee transit shipments more effectively.
The license of a private company that had been handling shipment tracking since 2013 has been revoked due to outdated technology, recurring technical failures, and its inability to provide real-time satellite tracking. The company also faced service suspensions following cyberattacks, prompting the FBR to adopt modernized solutions.
The measures include the installation of “PMD” devices on vehicles to ensure the secure transit of goods to Afghanistan.
Another step includes transporting shipments in convoys escorted by customs officials from the port of entry to the final destination.
Selective scanning of shipments at both entry and destination ports to deter theft and ensure cargo safety and establishing a central customs control room operating 24/7 to provide real-time tracking of vehicles and oversee Afghan Transit Trade (ATP) and Temporary Admission (TA) shipments through specialized enforcement units are other steps in this regard.
This development comes amid concerns from Afghan investors, who say that Pakistan imposes obstacles on the trade and transit of Afghan goods, particularly during the fruit harvest season.
