The Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs, Regional Office, Lahore has performed exceptionally well in February 2023 in demonstrating vehement resistance against the menace of smuggling and duty and tax evasion.
Customs Intelligence Lahore has ensured meticulous implementation of tax laws, administrative processes and procedures within the broader contours of guidelines laid down by FBR and national policy. The key driver behind the outstanding performance in all relevant areas was the persistent encouragement and guidance provided by Mr. Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, Director General, Customs Intelligence.
Ms. Saima Shehzad, Director of Intelligence, Lahore, made effective use of available resources (especially HR) leading to exemplary success of the Directorate. Additional Director, Ch Rizwan Bashir Kalair personally supervised all operations. Brief details of the achievements of the Directorate are given below:-
Anti-smuggling:
The main feature of February 2023 is that Customs Intelligence Lahore has seized 30 duty-free vehicles in this month, which is a record for the highest number of vehicles seized in a month. These were NDPs / damaged cars / jeeps / heavy bikes worth PKR 254 million.
The seized vehicles include Range Rover Vogue, BMW 7 Series 2019 model, Toyota Land Cruiser ZX, Mercedes Benz S 350, Mark X, Toyota Prado, Toyota Surf, Toyota Aqua, Toyota Vitz and heavy bikes of various brands such as Yamaha Dragster, Missile Ducati etc. This was also the highest value of NDP vehicle seizures in the month.
In addition, the Directorate has also seized various contraband during targeted operations based on intelligence. The seized goods included liquor of foreign origin, chandeliers, LED lights, cigarettes, betel nuts, tires, steel wire, Iranian tiles, skimmed milk, repairable auto parts, fabrics, etc.
Key Achievements: Ch Rizwan Bashir Kalair (Additional Director), Ali Asad (Deputy Director), Rai Waqar (Superintendent), Sohail Murtaza (IO), Arif Meo (IO), Gulzar Bhatti (IO)
Lahore Intelligence’s enforcement wing
The Executive Branch of the Directorate on the other hand proposed 8 seizures/violations involving CIF value and customs/taxes of 85 million and 58 million respectively in the month of February, reflecting a 14% increase over the same month of the previous year.
Key Achievements: Ch Rizwan Bashir Kalair (Additional Director), Muhammad Anwar (Assistant Director), Abdul Hameed Bhatti (IO)
Auction
The directorate auctioned 42 lots worth Rs 177 crore and saw a 72% increase in value. Sales realized during the month were 20.4 million. The auction process has been streamlined and accelerated.
Key Achievements: Ch Rizwan Bashir Kalair (Additional Director), Muhammad Anwar (Assistant Director), Abdul Hameed Bhatti (IO)
Director General of Customs Intelligence Islamabad, Ch. Faiz Ahmad Chadhar appreciated the efforts of the Lahore Range team and congratulated the Superintending Officers Mrs. Saima Shehzad, Director and Ch Rizwan Bashir Kalair, Additional Director in charge of Operations for this remarkable achievement.
The Director General particularly appreciated the outstanding achievement of anti-smuggling branch of Lahore Intelligence and emphasized that breaking the record by seizing 30 vehicles as against the previous best of 22 vehicles (which was also during the current financial year) was indeed a remarkable achievement. more interceptions with less staff (down 30% compared to the previous year) was a truly remarkable and enviable feat.
Customs Intelligence Team Lahore decided to continue working at the same pace (i.e. 24/7) against smuggling networks and tax evaders to significantly contribute to better enforcement and compliance. This is in line with the main function of Pakistan Customs in defending the ECONOMIC BORDERS of the country.
Government of Pakistan
Intelligence and Investigation Directorate – Customs
358-Jehanzeb Block Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore
Ph.D. 042-99260187 – Fax: 042-99260187
Email: ci.lhr@fbr.gov.pk
