ISLAMABAD: Director General (DG) Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Riaz Khan said that Pakistan Customs’ unwavering resolve to uproot cross-border smuggling has rendered amazing results. In the past, different departments including ANF, Pakistan Coast Guards, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Customs and police worked individually against smuggling but after the Supreme Court directives all these departments are working in close collaboration which has augmented the efforts to eradicate the menace of smuggling.
DG Customs Intelligence and Investigation Riaz Khan expressed these views during an exclusive chat with Customs Today. The DG informed that all these departments are working in close coordination which has curtailed the expenses while timely exchange of information has enhanced the efficiency of all the departments.
He said that there is a dire need for securing borders especially Karachi and Quetta which are the gateway for exports and imports. The Customs Department is facing multifarious problems in the fight against smuggling while the officers perform anti-trafficking operations by risking their lives. It is required to put all the sources together to launch effective operations and handle the situation on difficult borders, he added.
Replying to a question, the DG I&I said, “There are two obvious affects of smuggling – direct and indirect as the goods entering into the country through unfair channels affect the revenue adversely. This must be addressed on war-footings,” adding, it is an uphill task and a single department or force cannot root out the menace of smuggling alone.
The DG I&I acknowledged that the situation warranted all-out efforts to explore other ways for generating more revenue. He said that the department possessed scanners and other tools to detect and bust smuggling activities by scanning through human bodies and goods. But we cannot rely solely on these machines as there exists always room for improvement, especially in view of the rapid development in technology. Advanced and state-of-the-art equipment and machines have made the way into the market which cannot only act as a catalyst for curbing smuggling but also provide edge to customs officials,” he added.
Riaz Khan averred that these modern tools/machines are not flawless. These can be utilised for better results as these machines can sniff out drugs and radioactive explosives. However, lack of trained and skilled staff to operate these machines can undermine the capacity and efficiency,” he added.
Riaz Khan also laid emphasise on trainings and workshops for both the workers and staff after regular intervals of 6-8 months to build their capacity to overcome their shortcomings. Due to joint efforts of the staff and officials of customs intelligence, goods worth Rs791.80 million were seized in 437 cases from July to December of the current fiscal year.
