Pakistan Cracks Down on Massive Scale Misuse of Green Channel
Pakistan’s government has gone on a major drive to curb the misuse of green channel facilities. The development came after reports emerged about massive companies’ misuse of the facility known to expedite customs clearances.
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Crackdown Begins
The operation is headed by Chief Collector Enforcement Basit Abbasi, along with other officials such as Collector Enforcement Moinuddin Wani, Additional Collector Basit Hussain, and Deputy Collector ASO Raza Naqvi. Their, intention is to end the malpractices such as smuggling, mis-declaration, and under-invoicing that have been reported in green channel misutilization.
Formation of Super Audit Team
Ensuring transparency, Chief Collector Appraisement South Jameel Nasir has established a special audit team. This team will check the green channel clearances to ensure that everything is in order and as per the rules.
The Case of Century Engineering Industries
A recent case points out the seriousness of the issue. Century Engineering Industries (PVT) Limited in Malir Gadap Town imported three shipments of old battery accumulators. These were falsely declared as waste and scrap. When the customs team, led by Deputy Collector Syed Muhammad Raza Naqvi, checked the shipments, they discovered that the batteries were not scrap but used batteries in working condition.
Discovery and Seizure
Sheikh Farid was on hand to witness the inspecting of the containers, where he stated that those consignments contained trash, however on checking found that seven out of eight contained full loads of functioning used batteries. This issue was then referred for deeper probe to the IB with whom the customs personnel contacted. Samples of these were analyzed. It emerged that those batteries were working as well.
Legal Steps Undertaken
All the batteries and containers were seized for violating customs laws, including the Customs Act of 1969 and the Imports and Exports Control Act of 1950. Notices were sent to the involved parties, and investigations continue,
This crackdown marks a historic step in Pakistan, showing that authorities are serious about fighting corruption and ensuring that the green channel is used properly.
