Karachi: The Customs team of Export Collectorate, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim (PMBQ), has achieved remarkable progress through annual audits of the Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). These audits, resumed in January 2024 after more than five years, have yielded significant recoveries of duties and taxes, strengthening compliance and transparency within Pakistan’s customs framework.
Under the leadership of Collector Saadia Sheeraz and the efforts of Deputy Collector KEPZ Syed Amin Haider Shah and his team, the Collectorate has recovered an impressive Rs. 71 million in duties and taxes during the ongoing annual audit of EPZ units. This represents a 305% increase compared to Rs. 0.72 million in the same period last fiscal year and Rs. 17.5 million for the entire FY 2023-24. These achievements were realized within just six and a half months of FY 2024-25. The major recovery cases include:
1. M/s YG Textiles – Duties and taxes worth Rs. 28.7 million were recovered after lodging of FIR due to the absence of 130 MT of plastic material.
2. M/s MYU Textiles – A recovery of Rs. 8.3 million was made against shortage of 32 MT of used handbags, purses, and toys.
3. M/s Laiqam Services (Pvt) Limited –Rs. 5.6 million were recovered against missing quantity of 45.6 MT of household items.
4. M/s Rida Clothing – Pilferage of 79 MT of used clothing and 31.2 MT of used clothing wastage led to a recovery of Rs. 4 million.
5. M/s Silver Denim – Illegal removal and sale of 80.792 MT of used clothing and allied articles resulted in the recovery of Rs. 3.7 million.
In addition to audit-based recoveries, the Collectorate also made commendable progress in revenue collection from KEPZ clearances to tariff area. From July to December 2024, the collection of duty / taxes increased by Rs. 202 million, totaling Rs. 2,669 million, an increase of 7.6% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. This achievement underscores the Collectorate’s unwavering focus on revenue generation.
In addition to enforcing compliance, the Collectorate has taken innovative steps to enhance trade facilitation. Notably, the establishment of the Committee for Internal Dispute Resolution (CIDR) at KEPZ in September 2024 has significantly improved the grievance redressal process. Comprising customs officials, EPZ investors, and customs agents, the CIDR has fostered inclusivity and reduced the number of complaints and grievances, contributing to a more harmonious trade environment.
Speaking to the media, Ms. Saadia Sheeraz highlighted the importance of balancing regulation with trade facilitation. “Over the past year, Exports Collectorate PMBQ has not only exercised strong administrative measures at KEPZ but also introduced innovative steps to promote legitimate trade. This ensures compliance while addressing the genuine concerns of stakeholders,” she stated.
The success of the EPZ audits and other initiatives reflects a sincere commitment of customs team towards maintaining integrity and efficiency within Pakistan’s customs system. These achievements underscore the Collectorate’s dedication to fostering a fair and transparent trade environment while consistently achieving and exceeding its revenue targets.
With such initiatives, the Exports Collectorate of Port Muhammad Bin Qasim is setting a new benchmark for excellence in customs administration, demonstrating the critical role of leadership and teamwork in achieving organizational goals.