QUETTA: Chief Collector Customs Baluchistan Muhammad Saleem visited Chaman and held meetings with Customs officers as well as Chaman business community. It was the first visit of Chief Collector of the remote area in Baluchistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Saleem said Chaman was a very sensitive and important border station between Pakistan and Afghanistan and added that the traders would be further facilitated. He said measures were being taken on the request of traders and added measures were also being taken to counter smuggling.
He said the completion of ITTMS center, which is in the last stages of construction, would facilitate trade and traders. ITTMS system will be active from July 31, 2023.
To a question, Muhammad Saleem that there were impediments from the Afghanistan side in opening the border for 24/7. Once these issues are resolved, Chaman border will be opened for 24 hours like the Torkham border.
He informed that a modern scanner was being installed, which would scan loaded vehicles and expedite the clearance of cargo. Collector Customs Enforcement Samiul Haq, Collector Appraisement Agha Saeed and other Customs officers accompanied Chief Collector.
It may be mentioned here that former Chief Collector Abdul Qadir Memon is recently transferred as Director General PCA. He was transferred pre-maturely despite displaying exemplary performance.
Customs writ had disappeared from the Baluchistan, and smuggling was on peaks. After Abdul Qadir Memon assumed office of Chief Collector Abdul Qadir Memon, Customs’ writ was restored and smuggling was limited to minimum.
Muhammad Saleem has assumed office of Chief Collector Enforcement. He is very experienced of enforcement and appraisement in KPK. His appointment will bode well for Customs’ affairs and in trade facilitation.