Federal Tax Ombudsman Calls for Action Against Customs Officials Over Currency Seizure and Misconduct at Islamabad Airport
The FTO's ruling highlights the need for training and awareness campaigns to ensure better interactions between customs officials and passengers, particularly overseas Pakistanis. The situation at IIAI's Customs Department is characterized by complaints of harassment, corruption, and misbehavior. The FTO has recommended measures to improve this situation and ensure compliance with customs rules and regulations.
Business Recorder 
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has issued a directive to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take disciplinary measures against Assistant Collector of Customs and inspectors at the Islamabad International Airport (IIAI) following the alleged illegal seizure of 10,000 pounds from an overseas Pakistani and their reported mistreatment of international passengers.
In a significant move, the FTO has also called for immediate training for customs officials at IIAI to enhance their interaction with international passengers, especially overseas Pakistanis, emphasizing the importance of polite conduct.
This ruling by the FTO sheds light on the alleged blackmail, harassment, and humiliation faced by overseas Pakistanis at the hands of customs officials at IIAI, as evidenced by CCTV footage that revealed the customs staff working without uniforms. The situation at the Department of Customs at IIAP appears chaotic and lacking administrative control, leading to numerous complaints from outgoing international passengers regarding harassment, corruption, and misbehavior by Pakistan Customs staff.
The FTO expressed dismay over the conduct of AC Customs, who failed to address the issue and left the scene without performing his required administrative duties.
The complaint was filed against the Collector, Collectorate of Customs, Islamabad International Airport (IIAI), for the release of the illegally seized amount of 10,000 pounds and the initiation of disciplinary actions against the relevant Customs officials at IIAI.
FBR to collaborate with the DG Civil Aviation Authority to raise awareness
The FTO has also recommended that the FBR collaborate with the DG Civil Aviation Authority to raise awareness among outgoing international passengers about Customs baggage rules and permissible amounts of foreign and Pakistani currency. This awareness should be disseminated through announcements, electronic screens, and billboards placed at prominent locations within the airport.
Furthermore, the FTO has instructed the Member Customs (Ops) to allocate an adequate number of staff to the Collectorate of Customs (IIAP), Islamabad.
The DG Pakistan Customs Academy has been tasked with providing training for Customs staff at all international airports, covering baggage rules, foreign exchange regulations, and courteous passenger interaction. This includes offering information about baggage rules and currency limits.
The Chief Collector of Customs (North) is directed to conduct a fact-finding inquiry against the AC Customs (accompanied baggage) and the relevant staff, initiating necessary disciplinary proceedings as per E& D Rules, 2020, against those found at fault.
Moreover, the Collector, Collectorate of Customs (IIAP) Islamabad, is to ensure that staff is available around the clock at the Customs currency counter and ASF Scanning Machines, all while wearing proper Customs uniforms. The FBR is also expected to install CCTV cameras with recording capabilities at all Customs counters.
In summary, the FTO's ruling calls for disciplinary action against customs officials at the Islamabad International Airport over the alleged illegal seizure of currency and ill-treatment of passengers. It also highlights the need for enhanced training and awareness campaigns to ensure smooth interactions between customs officials and international passengers.
