Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated a new Expression of Interest (EOI) process to select qualified companies for deploying cutting-edge cargo tracking and monitoring technologies. This move is part of FBR’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security and efficiency of cargo transit systems, focusing on the use of modern satellite and GSM tracking technologies.
In a press release, FBR clarified recent media reports that suggested satellite tracking had been entirely replaced with human monitoring. The reports also claimed that the license of the only company providing satellite tracking had been revoked, and the same license had been awarded to four companies that qualified technically four years ago. These companies, the reports alleged, lacked modern tracking equipment and substantial experience in the field. However, FBR stressed that these claims were based on a misunderstanding of the situation.
FBR explained that the license of the company that had been providing satellite tracking since 2013 was not revoked abruptly. The suspension of operations followed a due legal process and was based on several factors, including the company’s outdated tracking technology, frequent technical failures, and its inability to perform live satellite tracking en-route. Despite this, the company continued to charge a significant fee of Rs 445 million, which raised concerns over its practices. Cyberattacks and various legal violations further contributed to the decision to suspend the company’s operations.
FBR emphasized that the suspension of TPL Trakker’s services was a necessary step to eliminate the monopoly of a company that had been providing substandard services while charging exorbitant fees. This move also aimed to address issues related to the integrity of the transit cargo system. FBR further clarified that the four companies selected for the interim cargo tracking measures had been evaluated and deemed technically eligible by the Licensing Committee under the Tracking and Monitoring of Cargo Rules. However, their licenses were later canceled due to ongoing court cases.
In the interim, FBR has implemented several measures to ensure the safe transportation of transit and transshipment cargo. These measures include the installation of Prime Mover Devices (PMDs) on vehicles, the movement of cargo in convoys under Customs escort, and selective scanning of cargo at both arrival and destination ports to prevent pilferage. A centralized 24/7 Customs Control Room has also been established to track and monitor vehicles in real-time, ensuring effective surveillance of Afghanistan Transit Trade (ATT) and transshipment (TP) cargo.
To further strengthen cargo tracking and monitoring systems, FBR has launched a fresh tendering process via the EOI to select qualified companies. The new system will incorporate the latest GSM and satellite tracking technologies, including advanced Container Surveillance Devices (CSDs). The deployment of these state-of-the-art technologies aims to create a foolproof mechanism for cargo security, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the system.
This initiative highlights FBR’s commitment to improving cargo tracking and monitoring systems through the use of advanced technologies, ensuring the integrity and security of Pakistan’s transit cargo system while fostering trust and accountability in the process.
