LAHORE: Bidders seemed less interested in the bidding of Customs seized goods and articles due to inappropriate prices of auction at Allama Iqbal International Airport.
The customs authorities could only receive bidding for goods worth Rs 3 million out of a total value of Rs 20 million.
The bidders did not make any bid for 23 vehicles including models of Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Nosha, Toyota Collar, Toyota Mark X, Mitsubishi Pajero, Honda Civic, Mercedes Benz and Ford. Bidders said that the prices of the vehicles were inappropriate as compared to the condition of the vehicles which were not more than a scrap.
Official sources on the other hand said that the anti-smuggling wing evaluated unrealistic prices of ordinary seized goods and articles in order to make impression that the wing was working hard in carrying out its task.
The bidders said that the Customs authorities have put the same vehicles on auction for several times but did not revise the price. They lamented the indifferent attitude of the Customs authorities towards the gradual destruction of the valuables.
Only a few goods and articles worth Rs 3 million attracted attention of the bidders for which they took part in the auction. Sources said that the accepted bids were not final as the liquidation will be made following approval of top authorities.
Bids for a limited quantity of seized goods and vehicles were accepted which included electric transformers, industrial boilers for textile mills, medical equipment, dental chairs and accessories, old and used scrap, AC plants, process water chillers, diesel generators and other impounded goods and articles.