Islamabad by Special Correspondent Ehsan Bukhari
A controversial customs officer, previously transferred from the Islamabad Dry Port following complaints from importers, has reportedly used his influence to get reinstated at the same position, raising serious concerns about favoritism and collusion within the department.
According to sources, Customs Superintendent Malik Muhammad Saleem had been posted at the Islamabad Dry Port for an extended period. He was removed by the Collector of Customs Islamabad after multiple complaints surfaced, alleging that he was giving preferential treatment to selected importers by undervaluing goods and clearing consignments faster.
An importer, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that Superintendent Saleem had struck deals with importers bringing containers from Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, while those operating in Islamabad faced long delays—sometimes waiting several days for their goods to be cleared.
Acting on these complaints, the Collector of Customs transferred Superintendent Saleem to the Anti-Smuggling and Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU). However, sources reveal that within just fifteen days, Saleem managed to have his posting reversed and was reappointed at the Islamabad Dry Port. In the process, Superintendent Ghulam Murtaza, who had been newly posted to the Dry Port, was reassigned to the Anti-Smuggling Squad.
Allegedly, Superintendent Saleem did not report to his new assignment at the CIU and abstained from performing his duties there, effectively forcing the administration’s hand in reversing his transfer.
Attempts to contact Superintendent Saleem for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls. Meanwhile, Superintendent Ghulam Murtaza has officially taken charge of his new role in the Anti-Smuggling unit.
The situation has raised serious questions about internal accountability and the influence of powerful officers within the customs department.
