ISLAMABAD: Corrupt Principal Appraiser Dost Mohammad has put reputation of Customs Department at stake, while violation of Green Channel and TP facility and illegal clearance of contraband items by the Customs officials like “Gang of Dost” is not only flux to national revenue but also a security risk.
These views were expressed by Naima Ansari, former Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) and Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries (IWCCI) while exclusively talking with Customs Today.
Naima Ansari expressed her serious concerns over the deep silence of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and high-ups of Customs Department even receiving continuously complaints against the corrupt official Dost Mohammad.
“The FBR and Customs Department should set up a committee for thorough investigation and inquiry; however, a strong and strict action is the need of time against such corrupt officials as we always have to take hard decision to discourage corruption,” she demanded.
Appraiser Dost has a strong lobby, due to which, still the FBR and Customs high-up could not even take any action against such a big scam of corruption of Dost & company, she added.
She added: “We are facing revenue shortage; national revenue is badly damaged by corruption, violation of rules & regulations, bribery, indeed corruption and nepotism obstruct to achieve national and internationally set goals of economy and development.
Naima Ansari told Customs Today: “I also noticed that some of Customs officials exploited businesswomen who are new in business even the Customs Department should encourage and facilitate women in business, but there are always some bad bugs in every department which destroy the good image of the department.”
Naima Ansari expressed worries for violation of Green Channel and TP facility that’s why country is facing huge challenge of revenue leakages because of culture of smuggling and corruption. Bribery and corruption is discouraging legal import, small & medium businesses, effecting business and trade while also indirectly affecting the end consumers, Naima added.
She also demanded the government to establish a business oriented and trade friendly policy to discourage smuggling and illegal import. Green Channel and TP facility violation are raising concerns in the business community; their investment is at risk and also smuggling badly effect legal import, Naima stated.
Naima Ansari said: “We always appreciate trade oriented, anti-smuggling, anti-corruption polices by the government; however, implementation of such polices are also be a priority.”
