ISLAMABAD: In order to thwart currency smuggling attempts, the Islamabad Customs has deputed vigilance teams at Benazir Bhutto International Airport to keep check on international flights and VVIP lounge.
Following the directions of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Nisar Muhammad Khan, Islamabad Customs Collector Arslan Subuctageen has constituted teams to monitor the flights, especially destined to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China and Bangkok.
Deputy Collector Naghma e Tehniat told Customs Today that it has been learnt through credible sources that attempts of currency smuggling shall be made in next few days through Islamabad airport.
She added that all flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China and Bangkok may invariably be checked by vigilance staff. At Rawal Lounge International Departure Side, one inspector may remain there to oversee the scanners and carry out body search and personal baggage search, she said, adding that for this exercise help of lady searcher may be sought as and when required.
Tehniat further said that vigilance wing may also make their presence felt at the waiting area of International Departure Hall, washrooms and cafeterias to detect any suspicious activities being carried out, adding thatbBody search of members of other agencies may be undertaken on random basis.
She further explained that food trolleys and stocks of shops located in departure area may also be examined to create deterrence against any probable attempt. Inspection of engineering and catering, services, entering through gammon gate, especially at the time of sensitive flights may be undertaken as previously ordered. Random examination of luggage passing through ASF scanners located at exit points on departure side may be also undertaken.
Vigilance wing to ensure continuous announcement display by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for creating awareness regarding prevalent rules related to taking in/out of currency, the deputy collector said.
It may be mentioned here that on the direction of Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan has given special tasks to all chief collectors and collectors to curb currency and bullion smuggling and issued written instructions.
