Pakistan initiates fresh tendering process to enhance cargo tracking and monitoring

Pakistan's tax collection authority — the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) — has launched a new tendering process for selecting well-qualified companies to enhance the transit cargo tracking and monitoring system.

The process involves a transparent and competitive bidding procedure, aimed at deploying the latest GSM and satellite tracking technologies for effective cargo oversight.

The move comes as the FBR ended its contract with TPL Tracking Company, citing the need to break the company's monopoly and address concerns about substandard services and exorbitant charges.

The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) had expressed concerns over the FBR's decision to halt satellite tracking of transit cargo containers bound for Afghanistan.

The PBC warned that without proper monitoring devices, there is no technical guarantee that prime mover trucks will carry the intended cargo, as containers might be switched through collusion.

This, they argued, could lead to significant losses in tax revenue, undermine local industry, and impact employment.

To mitigate risks during the transition, the FBR has implemented several interim measures, including installing PMD devices on vehicles, conducting selected cargo scanning at ports of arrival and destination, and moving cargo in convoys under Customs escort.

Additionally, a centralized Customs Control Room has been established to provide 24/7 real-time tracking and monitoring of en-route vehicles.

Effective surveillance of ATT/TP cargo is also being carried out by field units of enforcement formations throughout the network, ensuring the safety and integrity of transit and transshipment cargo.