MULTAN: Despite clear instructions from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the much-anticipated Customs Collectorate Indus has yet to be established, more than a month after the notification was issued. This delay is not only creating administrative bottlenecks for the Customs Collectorate Enforcement Multan but is also impacting operational efficiency across its jurisdiction.
The lack of progress on the Indus Collectorate has resulted in significant challenges for Multan Customs Enforcement, which currently oversees anti-smuggling operations in Dera Ghazi Khan.
These operations have been severely hindered, with no clear timeline for their resumption at full capacity. Adding to the strain, the Multan Collectorate is burdened with the additional charge of the proposed Indus Collectorate as well as Customs Collectorate Enforcement Sargodha. This dual responsibility has hampered the ability of Collector Muhammad Farrukh Sharif to make long-term administrative appointments, further complicating the situation.
Insiders within the department reveal that the matter has been escalated to the Chief Collector Customs Enforcement for resolution. However, no actionable steps have been taken, leaving employees in a state of uncertainty. Many employees have voiced concerns over the delays, citing the adverse impact on both their operational efficiency and morale.
The absence of the Indus Collectorate has also disrupted the overall functionality of the Customs Enforcement Multan, with employees calling for immediate intervention by the FBR. According to officials, the establishment of the Indus Collectorate would not only ease the administrative load but also allow for better allocation of resources and streamlined operations.
The Customs department’s stakeholders believe that swift action is necessary to ensure the timely establishment of the Indus Collectorate. Such a move would address the current inefficiencies, improve administrative workflows, and strengthen anti-smuggling initiatives in the region.
As employees continue to await clarity, the delay raises broader questions about the implementation of critical reforms in the country’s customs operations.
