Deprived of resources: Multan’s customs dept hit by lack of resources

DG says under staffing is affecting performance

MULTAN: In absence of a proper mechanism, lack of resources and insufficient staff, the Intelligence & Investigation (Customs) officials in Multan are striving to counter smugglers with outmoded weapons.

However, despite the odds, at least 61 cases were registered against the criminals during the last four months while goods and vehicles worth Rs1.51 billion were confiscated from them. Besides, a number of non-custom paid vehicles were also seized with the help of law enforcing agencies.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Intelligence & Investigation (Customs) Multan Deputy Director Abdul Mueed Kanju said, “This region is spread on a vast area from Kot Sabzal (Sadiqsabad) to Sakhi Sarwar (Dera Ghazi Khan), Taunsa Sharif, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal and Rojhan but under-staffing has affected our performance.”



He stressed the need to supply modern weapons and equipment to the officials to counter smugglers and drugs and arms traffickers. He added, “We need to appoint at least five customs inspectors and their subordinate staff, including drivers.”

He maintained there was dire need to establish the court of customs’ special judge for immediate disposal of remand and bail cases.

Explaining details of four months performance of the department, Abdul Mueed Kanju said, “We have collected revenue of Rs39 million by selling confiscated goods through open auction.” He said, “The department also seized 61 vehicles and other goods worth Rs1.51 billion and foiled an attempt to evade the government duty of Rs85 million.” The deputy director pointed out that there was dire need of revival of Multan Dry Port which was deserted due to Infrastructure development and taxes levied by Punjab government.

He opined that exporters, importers, customs clearing agents, dry port management and customs officers should sit together to find a feasible solution for the revival of Multan Dry Port. He disclosed that another dry port was being developed at Sadiqabad to facilitate the people of Rahimyar Khan and Rajanpur.

Kanju lamented, “Dry ports in Lahore, Sialkot and Rawalpindi are functioning successfully but Multan and Faisalabad Dry Ports are riddled with problems.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2017.