Karachi: The Facilitation Mechanism (FM) wing of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), led by Chief Yaqoob Mako and his team including Additional Collector Tauseef Gorchani, has uncovered a significant case of smuggling involving used clothing. The case highlights a strong smuggling mafia that attempts to clear sensitive products like used clothing without proper examination, even after being flagged for inspection.
The investigation revealed that a company, M/s. Adia Enterprises, and its clearing agent, M/s. Ghous Buksh Shipping Services, were involved in mis-declaring imports. The importer declared the goods as “Used Clothing” to pay lower duties and taxes, but physical examination and laboratory tests determined that the consignment was actually high-value polyester chiffon fabric. This attempt to “hoodwink” customs authorities was detected after credible information was received by the FM.
The case has been registered by Customs Appraisement West with three separate First Information Reports (FIRs) (No. 07/2025, No. 08/2025, and No. 09/2025) in the Court of Special Judge (Customs, Taxation & Anti-Smuggling), Karachi. The accused individuals are Muhammed Ashfaq Khan, the proprietor of M/s. Adia Enterprises, and Khadim Hussain Sheikh, the proprietor of M/s. Ghous Buksh Shipping Services.
The total estimated value of the seized goods and the associated evaded duties and taxes are substantial:
FIR No. 07/2025: The offending value of the goods is approximately Rs. 17,305,343, with duty and taxes of Rs. 7,427,611.
FIR No. 08/2025: The offending value is approximately Rs. 17,102,290, with duty and taxes of Rs. 7,309,854.
FIR No. 09/2025: The offending value is approximately Rs. 18,075,845, with duty and taxes of Rs. 7,302,451.
The accused have been charged with offenses under the Customs Act of 1969, Sales Tax Act of 1990, and the Income Tax Ordinance (ITO) of 2001 for mis-declaration of goods and value. Further investigations are underway to identify any other accomplices or facilitators involved in the crime. The Customs authorities have also identified other similar consignments from the same supplier that are now being scrutinized.