KARACHI: A dispute has erupted between two branches of Pakistan’s customs over the seizure of a banned shipment of donkey hides, exposing jurisdictional tensions and alleged violations of official procedures.
The conflict centers on a consignment declared as “leather goods” by M/s Wow Trading (NTN-9979285) and cleared through authorized agent M/s Fair Trade Impex. The goods, stuffed in container SEGU3154225 and destined for China, were flagged for examination by the Deputy Collector of the Collectorate of Customs Exports (SAPT) on April 29. However, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) intervened hours later, placing the shipment on hold after discovering 14 metric tons of donkey hides—a banned item under a 2015 Economic Coordination Committee order.
The Collectorate of Customs Exports claims the Port Control Unit (PCU) of the Collectorate of Enforcement unlawfully took custody of the container overnight on April 29, bypassing mandated joint examination protocols under *CGO No. 03 of 2018*. The Deputy Collector (SAPT) accused the PCU of “bulldozing” procedures by unilaterally removing the container from the port without approval or collaboration, violating clauses 4(e)-(g) of the CGO, which require joint inspections and jurisdiction-specific follow-ups.
In a formal letter to the Additional Collector, the Deputy Collector argued that donkey hides fall outside the PCU’s mandate, which targets narcotics, explosives, and cultural artifacts—not agricultural contraband. The letter urges the Collector of Customs Exports to escalate the matter to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), citing “misconduct” and “misuse of authority” by the Enforcement team.
The incident has sparked concerns over inter-departmental friction and procedural breaches. The Customs Exports office warned that unchecked jurisdictional encroachment could lead to “serious anomalies” in trade oversight. It also demanded disciplinary action against the Enforcement PCU staff under *CGO No. 03*, which mandates tenure stability unless misconduct is proven.
The Enforcement Collectorate defended its actions in a separate report, citing *Section 2(s)* of the Customs Act 1969—a move contested by Exports officials, who argue the provision doesn’t apply to tax-exempt exports or declared customs stations.
As of press time, the FBR had not issued a ruling on the dispute. The Collectorate of Customs Exports has called for the container’s return to its jurisdiction and accountability for the alleged violations.
When contacted by Customnews.pk, Deputy Collector Dr. Jam Muhammad Imran refused to comment. He said this country didn’t belings to Wani’s we are all caretaker of it, if I stay alive I will take Wani’s to cleaners.