Karachi: 05 Feb 2025
The All Pakistan Custom Agents Association (APCAA) and Karachi Custom Agents Association (KCAA) staged a protest followed by a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday, highlighting their grievances against the Pakistan Customs’ administration.
Addressing the press, APCAA Chairman Saifullah urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan to initiate a forensic audit of the “Faceless Custom Assessment”system, citing serious concerns over governance failures and corruption within Pakistan Customs. He alleged that corrupt practices by Customs officials were a major obstacle in the efficient collection of duties and taxes.
Saifullah further accused Nasir Jamil, Chief Collector Customs (Appraisement-South, Karachi), and other senior Customs officials of pressuring Appraisers and Principal Appraisers to extort bribes from traders on a weekly and monthly basis. He called upon law enforcement agencies to investigate their bank accounts and assets, questioning how newly appointed CSP officers in Karachi were able to afford luxury properties in posh areas within months of their postings. Claiming to have solid evidence of corruption stored on his mobile phone, he lamented that traders were forced to pay excessive demurrage and detention charges due to bureaucratic delays and blackmailing tactics.
During the protest, custom agents also shared details of a recent incident involving Muhammad Ismael, an Appraising Officer at SAPT Collectorate, who was arrested and later released on orders from senior Customs officials. According to Saifullah, Ismael’s mobile phone was confiscated to suppress sensitive information regarding illicit dealings within the Customs department.
KCAA President Muhammad Amir also addressed the press, emphasizing that custom agents operate within the legal framework and must obtain licenses from Pakistan Customs. However, bureaucratic obstacles have significantly increased the cost of doing business.He demanded the withdrawal of FIRs against custom agents and the restoration of canceled licenses,warning that failure to address their concerns would lead to a strike after the 15th.
Meanwhile,Senior Vice Chairman APCAA raised concerns about the competence of Appraisers, arguing that many lack adequate knowledge of the system. He highlighted the complexities of valuation and examination procedures, which involve 99 different classifications,stressing the need for experienced staff to ensure the system’s smooth operation.
The protest concluded with a firm demand for immediate reforms and forensic audit of FCA, warning of continued unrest if authorities failed to address these pressing issues.
It is worth mentioning that when media representatives attempted to contact Customs officials, including Irfan Ali, DC Headquarters, no one responded to the issue.
