ZIARAT: The Ziarat Cross check post, a critical junction leading to DG Khan and DI Khan, became the scene of a dramatic and controversial raid.
FIA Inspector Iqbal Kakar visited the post following reports that unauthorized individuals, dressed in Customs uniforms and armed, were present. Inspector Kakar demanded the custody of a sepoy in Customs uniform, but Customs officials refused, asserting that the sepoy was indeed a legitimate employee. This refusal led to a heated argument.
The situation escalated significantly when Inspector Kakar returned with a contingent of 35 FIA personnel, including staff from the cybercrime and banking circles. The FIA team, wearing masks, was accompanied by Malik Dildar Barakzai, a known smuggler, and his cousin, FIA Inspector Shakeel Barakzai. Another FIA Inspector, Idrees, was also present. The group launched an assault on the Customs post, with Malik Dildar allegedly opening fire on the Customs staff. Despite having only 20 bullets in one rifle and 9 in another, the Customs officers fired back, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the clash, Customs Inspector Haris Bashir and sepoys Baseer Durrani and Irfan were captured by the FIA. They were taken to the FIA headquarters, where they were reportedly tortured throughout the night before being released the next morning. Despite the severity of the incident, Customs authorities did not file an incident report or lodge an FIR.
Further investigation revealed that the Customs staff at Ziarat Cross had intercepted a bowser loaded with high-value smuggled goods. During the raid, Malik Dildar took these goods. Malik Dildar is known to be deeply connected with various law enforcement agencies, including Customs, levies, FIA, and FC. He allegedly charges between one to one and a half million rupees to allow smuggled goods to pass through the check post.
FIA Director Imran Mehmood, who reportedly approved the raid, remains in office despite being transferred three months ago. He was transferred to Establishment Division on May 20, 2024. He is accused of being involved in smuggling and blackmailing Customs officials and bank account holders. Malik Dildar is said to have significant influence over the levies, who operate under his command.
In a related incident, a few days prior, Customs officer Qurban was abducted by Malik Dildar and taken to a levies station, where an FIR was lodged against him, and he was tortured.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combating smuggling and corruption in the region, with law enforcement agencies often at odds and allegations of collusion and misconduct rampant.