The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is stepping up its anti-smuggling campaign with a powerful new initiative — citizens can now earn rewards of up to Rs500,000 for reporting valid information that leads to action against smuggling.

To support this effort, the FBR has created a dedicated fund called the ‘Customs Command Fund’. This fund will not only be used to pay rewards to the public but also to provide operational support and special incentives to customs officers actively fighting smuggling.

According to FBR, this fund will cover logistics, advanced equipment, and other essential tools that will help strengthen operations and ensure successful crackdowns on illegal trade.

The initiative is rooted in the belief that smuggling damages Pakistan’s economy, weakens legitimate businesses, and significantly reduces national revenue. To effectively tackle this issue, FBR is encouraging strong cooperation between the public and government agencies.

This reward scheme gives ordinary people a clear opportunity to take part in protecting the economy by reporting smuggling activities around them — and get paid for it.

In addition, customs officers who show outstanding performance in anti-smuggling operations will be recognized with special perks and awards as a way to motivate frontline efforts.

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Officials hope that the launch of the Customs Command Fund and the reward program will create serious momentum in the fight against smuggling. FBR believes this will not only make anti-smuggling actions more effective but also help promote a healthier, more transparent, and fair business environment in the country.

The FBR’s reward-driven campaign shows a strong shift toward community-based enforcement, using incentives to turn citizens into partners in governance. With the smuggling menace costing billions in lost revenue and hurting legal businesses, the Rs500,000 bounty could be a game-changer. The newly formed Customs Command Fund brings structure and sustainability to this mission, and rewarding customs officers can further boost morale. However, the success of this program will depend on public trust, quick action on reports, and protection for whistleblowers. If executed properly, this could mark a major leap in Pakistan’s efforts to clean up illegal trade.