SMS verification system to combat vehicle-smuggling

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Authorities have introduced an SMS based Vehicle Verification System (VVS) for spot verification to combat smuggling of vehicles.
“It is a fact that luxury vehicles are being smuggled in the country through unauthorised routes and the western border. This is attributable to the long and porous border with Afghanistan,” an official source at the Ministry of Interior said on Sunday.
The official said joint anti-smuggling teams, comprising staff of regional directorates of intelligence and investigation have also been constituted for impounding smuggled vehicles.
To combat smuggling, special help desks are also working in regional directorates for immediate response on information pertaining to smuggled vehicles, he said.
He said criminal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in smuggling of vehicles.
In addition, he said countrywide meetings of the Joint Task Force
(JTF) constituted by Ministry of Interior- headed by the Intelligence & Investigation DG and comprising Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) zonal directors, Provincial Traffic Police DIGs, concerned Customs collectors, representatives from FC and Rangers- are held to monitor progress and coordinate enforcement efforts.
The official said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has devised a strategy document, focusing on smuggled vehicles in light of the observation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.