LAHORE: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue/Minister of State Haroon Akhtar Khan said that upon getting information about smuggling through green channel, the wrong doers are put on red channel and they have to go through strict checking for years to re-gain their credibility.
He expressed these views while answering to Customs Today about the misuse of green channel and involvement of the customs officials, appraising officers and principal appraisers especially Dost Muhammad and his aides on the side lines of a get-together at the Customs House Lahore.
Chief Collector Customs Central Zeba Hai Azhar, Director General Internal Audit Sarfraz Ahmed Warraich, Director General Training Mukarram Jah and Collector Model Collectorate Customs (Preventive) Lahore Faiz Ahmad shared the stage with him on this special occasion.
Haroon Akhtar said that zero-tolerance about corruption has been adopted by the customs and if any officials are found involved in corrupt practices they are dealt with iron hands.
He said those officials, who found involved, are suspended and they face services tribunals and other forums; however, if they are found guilty they are dismissed and if they are found innocent, they are allowed to join their jobs.
He said, “During the last three years, we have busted so many big smugglers and mafias involving in smuggling of mobile phones, medicines and other valuables worth billions of rupees.”
When asked about the Dost Muhammad network, he said, he has never spared anyone involved in corruption and initiated the investigation against them.
He said, “If complaint against any official is sent to me, I properly investigate the matter and if the official is found involved, he is punished.”
When asked if he has developed any system that can make Pakistan Customs a shining star, he said that the customs has the potential and the department is led by reasonable people.
