By Imran Khan
ISLAMABAD – In a startling revelation, the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission (PMIC) has submitted an investigative report uncovering a vast smuggling network involving senior customs officials and private operatives, allegedly costing Pakistan up to $5 billion annually in lost revenue.
The report, which was initiated under the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on February 22, 2025, following intelligence agency inputs, was compiled by Basit Abbasi, Chief Collector Enforcement. It has now been officially forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Headquarters.
According to the investigation, a 78-member network—comprising 37 customs officials and 41 private individuals—was found to be facilitating and profiting from the large-scale smuggling of high-value goods across Pakistan’s borders.
The PMIC report estimates that illegal trade and smuggling are depriving the national exchequer of at least $3 billion annually, with unofficial figures suggesting losses may be as high as $5 billion. The report attributes the surge in illicit trade to corruption, gross negligence, and a systemic lack of oversight within the Customs Department.
The report classifies the implicated customs officials into three categories:
Directly Involved (12 officials): These officers were active participants in smuggling operations. Prominent names include Additional Collector Afnan (Peshawar), Assistant Collector Usama (Islamabad), Superintendent Mujtaba (Faisalabad), Inspector Sikandar (DG Khan), and UDC Bakar (Gilgit), who was caught red-handed with over 210 high-end mobile phones worth millions.
Partially Linked (16 officials): These officers provided indirect support or turned a blind eye at crucial stages. This group includes Collector Saud (Multan) and multiple inspectors from Islamabad and Multan.
Negligence and Complicity (10 officials): These officials failed to exercise due diligence and allowed the smuggling ring to flourish under their watch. Key names include Collector Munza Majid, Deputy Collector Maryam Haq (Multan), and Assistant Collector Zigham.
The PMIC has recommended further investigations, departmental action, and possible legal proceedings against the named individuals. The report emphasizes the need for systemic reform and stringent accountability within the customs and border control apparatus.
Sources inside the PM’s Office confirmed that the names and evidence have been received and are under consideration for immediate disciplinary action.
This latest revelation is expected to intensify pressure on the government to crack down on institutional corruption and to reform customs enforcement, a long-standing demand of business groups and economic watchdogs.
