ISLAMABAD: The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO), Peshawar, is practically self-sufficient to carry out operations within its jurisdiction.
This was said by Peshawar Customs Deputy Collector Muhammad Amin while talking to Customs Today during an interview.
Replying to a query, he said that civil armed forces were bound to come for assistance of the ASO, adding that the ASO under Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1969 has right to call any civil armed force for its help in a case of need.
He said that all Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa (KPK) and Federal Administrative Tribal Areas (FATA) fell under the jurisdiction of Peshawar ASO, adding, “ASO staff can perform its duties and raid anywhere in the jurisdiction to bust the smuggling attempts.
Regarding international obligations, he said that the ASO has to strictly obey the valuation rules, tariff rates and classification. He further said, “According to Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969, we are bound to demand the same tariff rates, which are internationally recognised”.
Deputy Collector Muhammad Amin is serving Pakistan Customs since 1979. He joined custom department as superintendent after that he was promoted as assistant collector and deputy collector.
Muhammad Amin who is highly qualified and very humble personality; got his Masters degrees in Political science, Islamic studies, besides having degree of MBA from Peshawar.
Regarding non-duty paid vehicles he said, “If custom department do not impound the non-duty paid vehicles, the terrorists can use them for heinous crimes, including for terrorist activities.
In order to overcome the shortage of staff, a process is underway to induct 100 sepoys through NTS, he said, adding that the hiring will be completed in 1-2 months. The Pakistan Customs will also hire 100 inspectors through public service commission, he said, adding that new induction will more strengthen the department against smuggling.
The training of the staff will be conducted by Pakistan Army in order to enhance the efficiency of the officials, he informed, adding that the process of hiring will be completed soon.
The deputy collector said that all possible resources were utilised to get intelligence information regarding the smuggling of non-duty paid goods into country. The ASO staff and informers worked round the clock to keep an eye on smugglers.
The deputy collector also shared performance of the department with Customs Today, highlighting that the ASO confiscated narcotics, medicines, electronics, non-duty paid vehicles and other miscellaneous items worth Rs 100 million during July 2016.
He said that the performance of ASO remained satisfactory during outgoing fiscal year 2015-16, as Collector Qurban Ali Khan and FBR appreciated the officials of ASO for showing good performance. He added that the ASO will strive hard to achieve target during new fiscal year 2016-17.
The ASO impounded non-duty paid and offending vehicles, and smuggled goods worth Rs 1.528 billion up to June 15 of the outgoing fiscal year 2015-16. It impounded 183 non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 309.250 million, besides impounding 253 vehicles worth Rs 328.1 million under Section 157 of the Custom Act, 1969 during the said period.
