Islamabad (Ehsan Bukhari, Special Reporter):
Despite clear directives from the Member Customs to launch a strict crackdown against smuggling, sources allege that customs officials and smuggling mafias have formed a nexus, allowing smuggling to continue unabated in Islamabad and Peshawar. Markets in both cities are reportedly flooded with smuggled goods, while the Customs Anti-Smuggling Squad remains largely inactive.
According to informed sources, the anti-smuggling squads in Islamabad and Peshawar have allegedly maintained silence in exchange for illegal gratification. It has become routine for officials to conduct token operations against small-time smugglers or those who refuse to reach settlements, merely to appease senior officers, while major smuggling networks continue to operate freely.
Sources claim that since assuming office, the Member Customs has repeatedly issued instructions for strict action against smugglers. However, the Collectorate of Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Squad is accused of colluding with influential smuggling mafias. Over the past year, smuggled goods worth billions of rupees have allegedly been openly sold in markets across Rawalpindi Division and Peshawar without any effective intervention.
It is further alleged that certain inspectors in the Islamabad and Peshawar anti-smuggling squads have cleared “lines” with major smugglers, deliberately ignoring large-scale operations. Instead, action is taken against a few minor gangs, and “all-clear” reports are sent to the Member Customs, giving the impression that the situation is under control.
During the tenure of a former Member Customs, transport goods owners from across the country had also raised serious complaints against anti-smuggling squads nationwide. While limited action was taken against a few officials to pacify complainants, most of the issues were allegedly brushed aside, allowing the problem to persist.