ISLAMABAD: The President Asif Ali Zardari has ordered a fresh investigation into a high-profile case involving the alleged mishandling and fraudulent destruction of imported iPhones at Islamabad International Airport. The President has remanded the matter back to the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) for a comprehensive review.
The case revolves around serious allegations against customs officials who allegedly failed to return 42 high-end iPhone 14 Pro Max devices to the importer, despite the importer’s willingness to pay all applicable duties and taxes. Customs authorities had earlier claimed that the seized phones were destroyed — a claim that is now under renewed scrutiny following the President’s directive.
Allegations of fraud & misrepresentation
According to the complaint, officials at the Collectorate of Customs (Airports) Islamabad falsely declared the destruction of the devices. The importer has presented technical evidence suggesting that several of the confiscated phones remain active, raising concerns about possible misuse, corruption, and lack of accountability within the customs department.
The complainant further alleged that some of the seized phones were recently restored, contradicting the official stance that all devices had been destroyed. He claimed that this has caused substantial financial loss and reputational damage.
Case referred back for fresh determination
President Zardari directed the FTO to re-examine the matter and determine:
Whether the 42 iPhones could legally have been released upon payment of duties and taxes
Whether customs officials misrepresented facts regarding the destruction of the devices
Whether proper legal procedures were followed during seizure and destruction
The FTO has been instructed to resolve all outstanding issues within one month of receiving the presidential order.
Background of the dispute
The importer initially filed a complaint under the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000, alleging wrongful confiscation and false claims of destruction. In response, the Collectorate of Customs (Airports) Islamabad maintained that a fact-finding inquiry had been conducted and submitted to the FTO in September 2024, concluding that the devices were lawfully destroyed.
Customs officials argued that the complainant’s reliance on active iCloud logins was inadmissible, stating that iCloud accounts are not device-specific and may remain active on other hardware. They also confirmed that all 42 IMEI numbers were blocked through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
President raises key questions
The President observed that a prior order by the Assistant Collector of Customs had reportedly allowed the release of the devices upon payment of duties and taxes. He emphasized that the FTO should assess whether lawful clearance was possible and whether due process was followed.
President Zardari further stressed that allegations of false destruction must be thoroughly investigated to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.
Demand for accountability
The importer has called for a transparent and impartial inquiry, identification of responsible officials, compensation for financial losses, and structural reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case has once again highlighted the need for stronger oversight mechanisms within Pakistan’s customs operations, particularly at major international entry points such as Islamabad International Airport.
