KARACHI: Pakistan Customs have started seizing ‘luxury items’ from passengers arriving at airports after the government authorities imposed a ban on imports of the products.
The items being seized include chocolates, used mobile phones, branded shoes and sanitary ware. Passengers said they brought the items for their families and children but had now been confiscated at airports.
Pakistan Customs issued a statement saying it has stepped up enforcement measures at all international airports across the country to prevent smuggling of items recently banned by the federal government.
It added the round-the-clock vigilance at International Terminals was to prevent smuggling that had resulted in seizures of these items which were brought in in the garb of bonafide passenger baggage.
Our Customs force making sure the PMLN doesn’t win a single vote from Pakistanis who travel to and from abroad. pic.twitter.com/avjXOEuSn9
— Abdul Moiz Jaferii (@Jaferii) May 24, 2022
During scanning and checking at Jinnah International Airport Karachi, banned items such as foodstuff, fruits, sanitary wares, used mobile phones, and branded shoes in commercial quantities were recovered.
The said items have been confiscated/seized under Section 168 of the Customs Act, 1969 for violation of SRO 598(I)/2022, dated May 19, 2022, (Import Policy Order, 2022) and Sections 16 and 139 of the Customs Act, 1969.
While commending the efforts of Pakistan Customs, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reiterated unflinching resolve of the FBR to further strengthen enforcement measures at all airports, seaports, and land border stations to ensure the prevention of smuggling of goods including newly banned items.
However, finance minister and the Chairman FBR had issued instructions not to bother passengers bringing in goods in non-commercial/small quantities for personal use and to facilitate such passengers at airports to the maximum extent possible according to law.
As the govt has banned the import of a few non-essential items, we fear that smuggling of these items will increase. Therefore we have increased enforcement against professional khaipyas. Officials know who they are. Ordinary citizens bringing in a few items will not be harassed. pic.twitter.com/NFXJMAymUs
— Miftah Ismail (@MiftahIsmail) May 24, 2022
