KARACHI: This is for the first time in the history of the Pakistan Customs that more than 500 officials from all ranks and files are being imparted training at the Directorate General of Training and Research, Customs, Karachi, Director, DGTR, Zeba Azhar told Customs Today.
She claimed that the batch, comprising appraising officers, valuation officers, preventive officers, intelligence officers, inspectors and sepoys, are being imparted special training. The officiers were recruited through the Federal Public Service Commission.
“At least 91 out of 138 appraising/ valuation officers; 147 out of 167 preventive/ intelligence officers and inspectors and 189 out of 244 sepoys, are participating in the training programme started in this month,” she said.
She said that dozens of appraising/ valuation officers are also undergoing specialized training in the Regional Directorates in Lahore and Islamabad.
She added that training in Lahore is being done in collaboration with the Institute of Administrative Sciences (IAS), the Punjab University since directorate does not have the space for training.
She informed that these trainees were important officers of the department and responsible for the image of Customs in future and so their training as it would help them in performing their respective duties with enthusiasm.
According to her, these officers have been appointed after a transparent and merit based process undertaken by FPSC and the department hopes that they would do the best for the Customs after completing their trainings.
The Director, DGTR, Zeba Azhar, mentioned that training at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad is being imparted on subjects relevant to their area of activity.
“The faculty at DGTR Karachi in consultation with field Collectorates, directorates and FBR have designed the training modules. The same training modules are replicated at Lahore and Islamabad.”
She added that training of 189 sepoys is taking place on second floor of DGTR Karachi from Monday to Friday and the timings are 9am to 1pm while morning session starts with parade of sepoys (in front of the majestic façade of old Custom House renamed as Directorate General of Training) and National Anthem, followed by flag hoisting.
She narrated that the classes commence at 9:30am. The duration of training for sepoys is one month theoretical at DGTR, one month on job with the Collectorates/Directorates and two months physical training at a reputed police academy or army scouts college.
According to her, the sepoys numbering 101 at Lahore and 50 at Islamabad have completed their training and have been posted in Collectorates/Directorates.
The Director, DGTR, Zeba Azhar mentioned that the training of sepoys in Karachi started late considering their large number almost 244. Another 141 sepoys belonging to Gwadar and Quetta are currently undergoing physical training in Quetta.
She stated that the classes of appraising/valuation officers (91) are being conducted in the Auditorium on ground floor of DGTR. The classes commence at 9:30am and end at 1:30pm. The Preventive/Intelligence officers and Inspectors (147) are imparted training in the 2nd half with classes commencing at 2:00pm and ending at 5:30pm.
She said that the training duration of appraising/valuation officers is two months theoretical and one month on job. The training duration of preventive/intelligence officers and Inspectors is two months theoretical at DGTR, one month on job in different Collectorates/ Directorates and two months physical training at a reputed police academy of army Scouts College.
She added that different course modules have been designed for sepoys and appraising/valuation/intelligence/preventive officers and Inspectors depending upon their job description.
