KARACHI: The Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission has summoned six customs officers from the Karachi Customs Collectorate on March 3 over allegations of involvement in a vehicle smuggling network.
The summoned officers include Additional Collector Wajid Zaman, Assistant Collectors Usama Dastagir and Fahad Khan, Superintendent Babar, Inspector Ahsan, and Inspector Wali Raza. Additionally, the driver of former collector and special advisor to the finance minister, Asif Hargan, has also been called for questioning.
The customs officials are accused of collaborating with private individuals in operating a vehicle smuggling ring.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant government agencies, particularly the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs, to enforce strict measures against smuggling nationwide.
In line with these directives, the FBR has introduced a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO), granting authorities the power to seize vehicles and other means of transport used for smuggling activities.
Read More: Faisal Vawda Persuades Customs Agents to Call Off Strike
Earlier, Senator Faisal Vawda, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Affairs, assured customs agents that their concerns would be addressed.
During a press conference, representatives of the Pakistan Customs Agents Association (PCAA) raised concerns about license suspensions and the introduction of a point-based performance system.
Senator Vawda thanked the customs agents for ending their strike, emphasizing their role in contributing 400 billion rupees in customs duty monthly. He warned that their strike could negatively impact the national economy.
Additionally, he announced that customs agents have been invited for a meeting on Wednesday to address their concerns, and a list of corrupt officers has been requested for further action.
