By: IMRAN KHAN
Karachi – Despite claims of strict enforcement at customs checkpoints and other law enforcement agencies, a massive smuggling network continues to transport billions of rupees worth of contraband from Balochistan to Karachi on a daily basis, raising serious questions over the credibility and effectiveness of anti-smuggling operations.
Sources revealed to Ummat that smuggling of foreign goods and Iranian petroleum products is ongoing in full swing, facilitated not only by organized criminal networks but also allegedly with the connivance of certain officials within customs and law enforcement agencies. Despite the fact that the Customs Enforcement’s Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) is now solely responsible for anti-smuggling operations—following the withdrawal of authority from Customs Intelligence—their recent actions are reportedly based exclusively on information provided by sensitive security agencies.
> “Symbolic raids and photo ops are not enough. The masterminds and their official protectors must be identified and prosecuted with full force,” said a senior retired customs official. “The system is being eaten from within.”
Customs insiders have expressed concern over this shift, questioning why ASO teams have ceased relying on their longstanding network of informants and intelligence assets. “It appears that unless the intelligence is spoon-fed by another agency, the ASO remains inactive,” said a well-placed source.
According to detailed reports, several warehouses near Yusuf Goth Terminal are packed with smuggled goods including Indian gutka, substandard betel nut, foreign cigarettes, and Iranian diesel. This consignment reportedly arrived before Eid and has since been distributed to major markets across Karachi. These operations are said to be backed by systematic extortion and the use of forged clearance documents, allegedly facilitated by middlemen connected to Customs Preventive staff.
Two main supply routes through Khuzdar and the RCD Highway are reportedly used to bring in at least ten 10-wheeler trucks daily, bypassing official checkpoints via unregulated dirt roads near Hub, Manghopir, and Dureji. The goods are then offloaded under the supervision of known figures “Shamim” and “Masood” at designated warehouses in Yusuf Goth.
Markets such as Lea Market, Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Kharadar, Tariq Road, and even upscale areas like Defence are openly selling smuggled products. Sources allege that ASO’s raids are mostly “symbolic” and take place only after the goods have been sold and the money collected.
In a further alarming revelation, ASO officials are allegedly extorting bribes from local traders. If a trader refuses to comply, raids are conducted and goods are confiscated—despite the same officials reportedly having already accepted large bribes from the smugglers supplying those very items.
Analysts warn that this unchecked smuggling network is inflicting severe damage to the national economy. Black money is being laundered through the sale of underpriced smuggled goods like Iranian cooking oil, foreign tires, and edible items—industries where local businessmen are now heavily investing due to high consumer demand and low prices.
The smuggling ring is reportedly controlled by influential figures including Haji Sadiq, Haji Bismillah, Haji Bali, Haji Nawaz, Sher Agha, Nabi Bakhsh, Ahmed Shah, and Toofan Khan. Their network stretches from Balochistan to Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with operatives active 24/7.
Experts emphasize that if the federal government, FBR, and intelligence agencies do not intervene swiftly, this smuggling enterprise could completely undermine Pakistan’s formal economy and rule of law.
