PESHAWAR: Customs clearing agents at the Torkham border have severely criticised the Khasadar Force over their alleged misbehaviour on the border, and asked the customs authorities and political administration to eliminate the culture of corruption by taking action against the responsible elements.
All Customs Clearing Agents Association President Abdullah Shinwari told Customs Today that the Khasadar Force officials posted at Torkham were unnecessarily hampering their trading activities with Afghanistan by demanding money for out-of-turn clearance of vehicles from the Customs House.
He said that transporters and clearing agents were made to wait for days if they refused to pay the bribe to the Khasadar officials. “The Khasadars thrash and misbehave with our colleagues and create hurdles in the way of speedy clearance of Pakistani goods to Afghanistan,” he said, and added that exports of perishable items, including fruits and vegetables, were seriously affected due to this practice.
The association demanded that the authorities must ensure decent behaviour of the Khasadar officials. They also demanded that the Frontier Works Organisation should expedite the work on the expansion of Torkham-Landi Kotal portion of the main highway as the slow work was also slowing down movement of vehicles taking export items to Afghanistan.
He said that despite assurance by the local administration, no measure has been taken against the corrupt officials, who may also allow dangerous substances enter or exit the country just to get money.
He urged the customs high-ups and border security forces to take strict measures against the corrupt Khasadar Force personnel and fine those involved in this malpractice.
