KARACHI: The risk of stealing of ISAF containers on reverse cargo route from Torkhum and Chaman to Karachi is still high due to absence of security scanners, it is learnt here.
One of the senior officials on condition of anonymity told Customs Today that the Pakistan Customs had sent a proposal to Federal Board of Revenue a month ago for installation of scanners on the route of reverse cargo. However, no development has yet been made in this regard.
It is pertinent to mention here that a case of stealing NATO containers has already surfaced in recent days in which the accused tried to steal NATO containers of reverse cargo at a private yard located at Port Qasim. The bid was foiled by Model Customs Collectorate Preventive on December 7 and four persons including an official of Karachi Port Trust were arrested.
The Customs official said that the incident was a wake up call for relevant authorities while Pakistan Customs has already sent a proposal for installation of scanners at reverse cargo route.
Replying to a question, he said that the Pakistan Customs has not yet received any response from FBR in this regard, adding that it was imperative to install scanners on reverse cargo route, as ISAF would withdraw its forces from Afghanistan in 2014.
FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa has already stated before former Chief Justice of Pakistan that FBR would install scanners at reverse cargo route.
