MULTAN: Misuse of green channel facility at Port Qasim is also huge risk for internal security of our country as terrorists can also smuggle explosive material with the assistance of customs department which may target strategic spot of our country.
These views were expressed by Director Shujabad Group of Industry Malik Waseem Akram in his exclusive talk with Customs Today.
He said green channel facility is one of the innovative step for the businessmen for the clearance of their shipments without any hurdles and it consumes less time for the clearance of their shipments. Few corrupt importers have violated this facility to clear contraband items through green channel facility which is bad practice for nation and it also damages national economy. Importers are doing smuggling under the nose of customs department which gave clear impression that high ups of customs are also involved in this scam and they are generating bribe through misuse of green channel.
He expressed severe concerns over the corruption and misuse of green channel facility for the clearance of unscrupulous material through Port Qasim. It is shameful act for whole nation that banned or contraband items were cleared through assistance of Customs officers.
General Secretary Tajir Ittehad Zubair Motiwala told that Customs Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies are silent on this massive corruption through abuse of green channel and it is very sad that Customs Additional Collector was involved in smuggling through green channel. He said “we are clearing unscrupulous material through green channel and terrorists can clear their shipments of explosive material which will destroy our nation”. He said that abuse of green channel facility is threat for national defense and this shameful act of Customs department will defame Pakistan in the whole world.
He interconnected misuse of green channel because our enemies are pointing fingers on us that we are supporting terrorism in the country. He told that government should revisit policy and procedures of green channel facility to prevent any misuse in the country.
Renowned Businessman Usman Malik told that green channel facility is an endeavor to offer ease to genuine importers through this facility but few importers and criminals are abusing this facility. He said that government should take strict action against corrupt officials working at Port Qasim to stop abuse of green facility.