NAB to open DI Khan office after Rs. 750 billion smuggling loss report

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) plans to establish a new sub-office in Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) to investigate alleged smuggling, financial crimes and tax evasion across the region bordering Afghanistan

According to official sources cited by Minute Mirror the initiative follows reports of substantial revenue losses linked to illicit trade money laundering undeclared assets and other financial offences.

Rs. 750 billion revenue loss highlights scale of smuggling

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that smuggling had cost Pakistan’s documented economy an estimated Rs. 750 billion. The FBR has also projected Rs. 250 billion in potential recoveries through digital enforcement stations.

The tobacco sector faces additional challenges, with parliamentary proceedings highlighting an estimated annual loss of around $1 billion due to tax evasion and illegal manufacturing.

In DI Khan, customs authorities recently destroyed confiscated goods valued at Rs. 1.03 billion. The seized items included betel nuts, cigarettes, China salt, medicines and other prohibited products collected over three years.

Another major operation at the Aman Mela checkpoint resulted in the seizure of crystal meth concealed inside specially modified inverters transported on a passenger bus. Authorities valued the drugs at Rs. 910.2 million and the vehicle at Rs. 15 million. Officials also reported an armed attack on the customs convoy during the incident.

Investigation to cover multiple financial crimes

The planned NAB unit will focus on cross-border smuggling, Hawala and Hundi transactions, illicit currency transfers, non-customs-paid (NCP) vehicles, narcotics, illegal weapons tax evasion and unexplained wealth.

Investigators are expected to examine alleged links among transport operators currency dealers vehicle traders and other facilitators. Authorities have also identified concerns involving public procurement development projects and suspected tax irregularities.

Local office to strengthen enforcement

Officials say geographical challenges, security risks and limited resources have complicated previous anti-smuggling efforts. The new office is expected to facilitate local complaints preliminary inquiries and intelligence gathering.

The initiative follows wider enforcement measures, including digital monitoring stations and upgrades to strategic checkpoints. According to officials, the broader objective is to disrupt illicit financial networks recover public revenue and investigate assets allegedly acquired through unlawful activities.

The proposed sub-office marks a regional expansion of accountability efforts although the outcome will depend on investigations evidence collection and enforcement actions.