The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is set to launch a modern digital monitoring system for commercial transport vehicles as part of its efforts to combat sales tax evasion and smuggling across the country.
Image: Profit by Pakistan Today
The proposed framework will require the registration of all commercial vehicles, including trucks, under a centralised FBR system from the next financial year.
Under the plan, unregistered commercial vehicles will not be allowed to operate on major transport corridors, including motorways, the Grand Trunk (GT) Road and other key highways. Authorities believe the measure will help improve oversight of freight movement and strengthen tax compliance.
A key feature of the initiative is the introduction of special cargo tracking tags, which will be installed on commercial transport vehicles. The tracking system will enable real-time monitoring of vehicle movement and cargo activity, creating a comprehensive digital record of goods being transported throughout the country.
Sources said factories and industrial units will only be allowed to load goods onto vehicles officially registered with the FBR. The proposed framework also includes enforcement measures such as fines and legal action against operators of unregistered vehicles.
The new system will integrate commercial transport data into the FBR’s centralised database, allowing authorities to maintain detailed records of vehicles, cargo and supply chains.
Officials estimate the initiative could help reduce sales tax evasion by up to Rs200 billion annually while also strengthening anti-smuggling efforts and boosting customs revenue collection.
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize tax administration through digitalization, data integration and enhanced monitoring of economic activity.
