KARACHI: Noor Khan Niaz, president of the Karachi Goods Carrier Association, has said that some corrupt superintendents and inspectors in customs intelligence are allegedly involved in malpractices and are defaming the Pakistan Customs.
Talking to Customs Today, he said that such elements in the department create troubles for the transporters and waste precious time only to grab money. “We used to ship consignments after the approval of the Customs Appraisement but they check whole stuff again,” he said, adding that the drivers of the transport companies are compelled to grease their palm to save time.
Nowadays, the importers and the truck drivers are facing problems because of some customs intelligence teams. Some truck drivers told Customs Today that when they carry goods from Karachi to different cities, some Custom intelligence officers stop their trucks in different check posts, specially in Sukkur city. The customs superintendents and inspectors check consignment again and again and ask about documents. “We provide them the documents but they demand bribe,” a driver said, adding that “When we don’t fulfill their demands they threaten of dire consequences.” He said that the higher authorities should take notice of the situation.
Member of the Karachi Goods Carrier Association Shakoor Chuhan said usually truck drivers complain us about some corrupt Intelligence officers. He said we have sent some complaint letters to higher authorities but problem still persists.
“Some of them treat us as we are hardened criminals and even stop sealed goods which had been released by customs preventive department after necessary checking,” he said. He added the Customs Intelligence field staff accuses importers of paying less duty. He appealed to authorities concerned to take action against corrupt field of Customs Intelligence Department specially in Sukkur region.
