KARACHI: Model Collectorate of Customs (MCC) Quetta has seized smuggled goods worth over Rs20 million from a cargo train coming from Chaman. Pakistan Railways runs this cargo train once a year to carry coal to Chaman and other small cities of Balochistan en-route in winter while it comes to Karachi empty, final destination.
The unscrupulous elements stuffed three bogies with smuggled goods, as the authorities have almost eliminated the movement of smuggled goods.
On the information of Collector Customs Saeed Jadoon regarding the movement of smuggled goods in the train, a team under the supervision of Additional Collector Dr Fareed and Deputy Collector Hamid Kambrani was formed.
The train was forced to stop at Balili Station by Customs staff with the help of Federal Constabulary (FC) and Quetta police. Large quantity of smuggled goods were seized coming from Chaman that include cloth, electronic goods, TVs, motor oil, tyres, cigarettes, generators and auto parts.
Chief Collector Enforcement Zahid Khokhar, Collector Saeed Jadoon, Maj Gen Sher Afghan of FC, Inspector General Police Balochistan Ahsan Mehboob remained in a close coordination in pursuing the anti-smuggling campaign in Balochistan. Resultantly, the illicit traders, smugglers and other such elements have been agitating against Customs, FC and Police.
Sources said that the authorities including FC, Customs and Police have not succumbed to protests, strikes and shutter downs in Balochistan and the campaign would to continuing in full pace.
There are reports that the facilitators and patrons of these smugglers have been identified and these patrons are also included political figures. It is anticipated that action would be taken against them as intelligence is being collected against such separatists and provincial politicians.
An official said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is of the view that under the leadership of General Raheel Sahrif, there has been an efficient coordination between para-military forces, law enforcement agencies and FBR, which resulted in significant success against smuggling.
Money made through smuggling is the prime source of funding terrorism and anti-social elements. General Raheel Shareef is committed to root out terrorism and choking the funding lines to these elements as it is the part of the strategy.
FBR top brass is of the view that country was on the path of economic development and success in every direction only due to the Army Chief’s vision, support and consultancy towards the democratic government of PML-N, which is too dedicated to prosperity.
In the larger national interest, Mian Mohammad Nawaz Shareef should convince General Raheel Shareef to accept the extension even though General is not interested in extension of his service.