FBR plans registration and tracking system for all commercial vehicles

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing to introduce a modern digital system under which all commercial vehicles, including trucks, will be registered as part of a wider effort to curb sales tax evasion and prevent smuggling, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday

The plan, reported by the Federal Board of Revenue, aims to establish a centralised monitoring framework for the country’s freight and logistics sector starting from the next financial year.

Under the proposed system, unregistered commercial vehicles will be restricted from entering major transport routes, including motorways, the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road), and other key highways across Pakistan.

Authorities are also planning to introduce special cargo tracking tags that will be installed on all commercial transport vehicles. 

These tags will allow real-time monitoring of vehicle movement and freight activity, helping to create a comprehensive digital record of goods being transported nationwide.

According to sources, factories and industrial units will only be permitted to load goods onto vehicles officially registered with the FBR. The system is also expected to include enforcement measures such as fines and possible action against operators of unregistered vehicles.

The proposed framework will integrate all commercial transport into the FBR’s centralised data system, enabling authorities to maintain detailed records of vehicles, cargo and supply chains across the country.

Officials believe the initiative could significantly reduce sales tax evasion, with early estimates suggesting a potential reduction of around Rs200 billion in losses. 

The system is also expected to strengthen efforts to combat smuggling and improve overall customs revenue collection.

The move is part of broader government efforts to modernise tax administration through digital tracking and data integration across key economic sectors.

Reporter: Umair Azmat