KARACHI: In a bid to streamline customs processes and combat corruption, the number of appraisers at the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) has been increased. Initially, green channel clearances were reduced to 25%, but due to a backlog, they were subsequently increased to 40% and then to 60%. Currently, 60% of consignments are being cleared through the green channel.
The FCA was established in line with the vision of Army Chief Asim Munir for a corruption-free Pakistan. However, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) bureaucracy has overlooked several critical aspects, most notably the national exchequer. The desired results of the FCA, which aimed to eliminate corruption by ending contact between customs officials and importers/traders, have not been achieved.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the FCA and instructed Chief Collector Nasir Jameel to ensure that the names of importers and clearing agents were included on the Bill of Lading. Jameel responded that Goods Declarations (GDs) are cleared within 10 minutes, indicating that all GDs are being processed in the manner of the green channel. Previously, appraisers would ‘load’ every GD in addition to accepting bribes from importers.
In the first 25 days of the FCA’s operation, the national exchequer suffered a loss of Rs 500 million. Despite a significant increase in dutiable imports, revenue did not rise proportionately. It has come to light that while filing GDs, importers and clearing agents attach evidence to identify themselves, and appraisers receive text messages from importers/agents about their GDs. Deals are then made between appraisers and importers at night.
It appears that importers and clearing agents are the primary beneficiaries of the FCA.
In a recent administrative shake-up, several Appraising Officers have been reassigned to new positions within the customs department. The transfers, aimed at optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the customs appraisal process, are effective immediately, with officers expected to report to their new postings by 9:00 AM on January 20, 2025.
Notable changes include the transfer of Mr. Rozain Jamali and Mr. Abdul Salam from the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – West to the Central Appraising Unit (CAU) SAPT. Joining them at the CAU SAPT from the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – SAPT are Ms. Sana Shehzadi, Mr. Ali Azeem Chatha, and Mr. Ghulam Fried. Mr. Zahid Hussain has also been reassigned to the CAU SAPT from the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – PMBQ.
In addition to these moves, several officers are transitioning to different appraisement centers. Ms. Khizra Saeed has been moved to the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – East, while Mr. Muhammad Raheel will now be serving at the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – West. Mr. Asher Nazir is set to join the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – PMBQ, and Ms. Nazia Kafeel will be taking on new responsibilities at the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – SAPT.
Furthermore, Mr. Atta Ur Rehman Khan has been transferred to the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – East, and Mr. Mirza Khaleeq Ahmed Royal has been assigned to the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement – SAPT.
The reshuffling reflects the department’s commitment to enhancing the customs appraisal process and ensuring that the right talent is positioned to meet the demands of the evolving landscape.