KARACHI: Collector MCC Port Qasim Mumtaz Ali Khoso lodged an FIR against management of Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) and others involved in an organized illegal removal of the auction cargo from port area by presenting fake and forged documents.
According to details, Collector Mumtaz Khoso who was acitvely following such cases of illegal import, clearance and removal of restricted goods from Port Qasim, conducted scrutiny of the auction documents and found that a container of solar panels has been illegally removed from QICT, Port Qasim, with shocking revelations that some unscrupulous elements with active connivance of senior management of the QICT were allegedly involved in such henious crimes.
As per available information, Masood Jamil Warsi s/o Muhammad Jamil-ur-Rehman and Muhammad Haroon s/o Muhammad Qasim, with the active connivance and abetment of the management and concerned staff of QICT by presenting fake, forged and fabricated documents as well as signatures have got removed a container of “Solar Panels (695 Pieces)”. The value of the illegally removed goods comes to Rs 12.3 million, involving duty/taxes of Rs 6 million approximately. Taking immediate cognizance, the Collectorate lodged an FIR No. Q-132/Jul/2018 dated 26-9-2019 and further scrutiny and investigation in this case are underway.
Sources said FIR lodged against the management of the QICT did not mention the name of its CEO Junaid Zameer who may be speculated to have fled abroad or in hiding or using favours and pressure to avoid inquiries. Khoso even hard pressed CEO of QICT Pakistan Ltd. Junaid Zameer recently to replace faulty scanners to ensure proper scanning of the containers. In fact, it is surprising that QICT Pakistan Ltd. has been illegally charging scanner fees for the import consignments over the years while it is known to the senior customs officials that proper scanning cannot take place with such faulty scanners.
After so much coverage by Customs Today about alleged mega scams of QICT with CEO Junaid Zameer including illegally taking scanning fees, demanding extra demurrage and detention charges and misuing green and yellow channels, the Collector Port Qasim started actively looking at the alleged mega scams of QICT Pakistan Ltd and now he has lodged this FIR against QICT management for illegaly removing goods. He has been performing exceptionally well, refusing to succumb to favours and pressure. He has shown full commitment to eradicate the menace of smuggling and illegal clearance of goods from Port Qasim in a short span of time. He enjoys good reputation so it is hoped that he would take the investigations ahead and bring the seniors of the QICT to justice as well.
CEO QICT Junaid Zameer
Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement South Suraiya Ahmed Butt has also been working effectively to curb the green and yellow channels smuggling including the faulty scanners at the Port Qasim terminal. She already had directed all the officials to stop illegal import of electronics and grey fabrics in the garb of used clothing. Business community says that it is high time that the Chief collector including her team of collectors act against QICT port terminal for the faulty scanners and other scams while they should also put responsibility on senior officials of QICT with CEO as Junaid Zameer for minting money at the cost of bleeding the national exchequer.
Sources said NAB Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal and DG NAB Karachi Farooq Nasir Awan have already taken up cases of mega corruption of Customs and terminal operators, and issued notices to Chief Collector Appraisement South Suraiya Ahmed Butt and collectors. If the seniors in the customs department delay action against QICT management including The top CEO then NAB under the leadership of Chairman Justice (Retd.) Javed Iqbal is already known for prompt and meaningful action.
