ISLAMABAD: In a sweeping move aimed at reforming the Customs Appellate Tribunal and addressing corruption concerns, the Ministry of Law & Justice has announced the appointment of several senior Pakistan Customs Service (PCS) officers as technical members on a deputation basis for a period of three years.
According to the notification, Qurat-ul-ain Dogar (BS-20) has been appointed as a technical member on Bench-I, Lahore, while Saima Shahzad (BS-20) will serve on Bench-II, Lahore. In Karachi, Tahir Qureshi (BS-20) has been designated as a technical member on Bench-I, and Fayaz Rasool (BS-20) has been placed on Bench-II.
These appointments come following an intelligence report submitted by Military Intelligence to the Prime Minister’s Office, which highlighted concerns regarding irregularities within the tribunal. Investigations revealed that judgments were allegedly being sold, burdening the Customs Department, which had to repeatedly challenge tribunal decisions in higher courts.
Sensitive agencies also conducted their own assessment, leading to a comprehensive overhaul of the appellate tribunal system. As part of the effort to curb corrupt practices, judicial allowances and additional perks have been introduced to ensure the role remains lucrative yet transparent, discouraging malpractice.
The move aligns with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir’s broader vision of eradicating corruption across Pakistan’s institutions. Authorities are also developing an innovative system for the police force to minimize direct interactions between officials and the public, aiming to further prevent opportunities for corruption.
While Customs has implemented a faceless system and automated processes, officials have struggled to control revenue losses through the green channel, raising concerns about financial oversight. Senior bureaucrats, particularly officers at Post Clearance Audit (PCA), have reportedly faced pressure and false complaints after cracking down on money laundering schemes involving the import of solar panels.
Additionally, authorities are being urged to address harassment faced by honest officers who expose wrongdoing. Reform advocates argue that the rewards system within Customs should be streamlined, ensuring that recognition reaches lower-level officials and that those responsible for securing government revenue receive appropriate compensation.
The Ministry of Law & Justice has yet to comment on further measures to reinforce integrity within the tribunal, but the latest appointments signal the government’s commitment to restoring transparency and accountability in the system.