PTBP Web Desk
The Federal Cabinet has given the go-ahead for establishing a new agency, the National Targeting Centre (NTC), to provide critical support to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and facilitate its swift operationalization. This decision marks a significant step towards modernizing Pakistan’s border control mechanisms.
During a recent cabinet meeting, the Revenue Division underscored the growing inadequacy of traditional border control methods. With rising volumes of goods, passengers, and vehicles crossing national boundaries, conventional enforcement approaches cannot keep pace.
Technology-driven solutions like the NTC are essential to improving cross-border movement while strengthening enforcement capabilities. Such platforms enable collaborative inter-agency border controls, making them indispensable in managing modern challenges related to international trade and travel.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights the importance of initiatives like the NTC. According to the UNODC, the NTC employs cutting-edge technologies and intelligence analysis to:
- Identify and prioritize potential threats linked to passenger and cargo movement.
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to optimize resource allocation.
- Enable swift responses to high-risk targets.
- Foster inter-agency collaboration for better coordination.
Globally, National Targeting Centres are typically hosted by customs administrations, given their broad anti-smuggling mandate and jurisdiction over cross-border movement. These centres often serve as hubs for multi-agency cooperation, bringing together customs, immigration, anti-narcotics, and other law enforcement agencies through shared platforms and liaison officers.
The Revenue Division informed the cabinet that Pakistan has already demonstrated success with the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) initiative. Managed by customs, the PSW integrates a risk management system enabling other government agencies to assess and address risks in international trade. This system could serve as a foundational pillar for the NTC’s establishment in Pakistan.
In line with international best practices, the NTC will require robust collaboration among various agencies, including customs, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), immigration authorities, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and other law enforcement agencies. By sharing information and profiling potential threats, these entities can jointly combat smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, and related crimes.
The cabinet was briefed on the comprehensive plan to operationalize the NTC. During the Anti-Smuggling Steering Committee meeting on October 17, 2019, chaired by the Prime Minister, the FBR was tasked with integrating anti-smuggling and trade data into a centralized database. This database will serve as a cornerstone for the NTC’s operations.
To oversee the initiative, the FBR intends to establish a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) under the Customs Wing. This PMU will benefit from technical assistance provided by international development partners. It will work closely with stakeholders to develop a detailed project design document encompassing:
- A legal framework for the NTC’s operations.
- Governance and operational structures.
- An advanced Information and Communications Technology (ICT) platform.
On August 24, 2024, an inter-ministerial meeting was convened to bring all relevant stakeholders on board. This collaboration aims to ensure the smooth establishment of the NTC, aligning with global standards and addressing the specific needs of Pakistan’s border management challenges.
