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Islamabad: Pakistan Customs has thwarted an attempt to manipulate the Faceless Customs Assessment System (FCAS), leading to the suspension of several licenses and multiple arrests. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken decisive action to maintain the integrity of this recently launched system designed for efficient customs assessments.
According to a statement by Press Information Department, the Karachi Customs team, responsible for FCAS operations, was instructed to remain vigilant against potential manipulation attempts. In response to this incident, 45 customs agents had their licenses suspended, and show cause notices were issued under the Customs Agents Rules.
An Appraising officer allegedly involved in the scheme has been suspended, with an inquiry underway as per the Efficiency and Discipline Rules. A criminal case has been filed against those involved, including agents, the appraising officer, and certain private individuals.
Three arrests have been made as part of this investigation, and efforts continue to apprehend additional suspects. Despite this incident, FCAS is operating smoothly, and stakeholders have praised it as a transformative development in customs clearances. The system, inaugurated by Pakistan’s Prime Minister two weeks ago, remains free of any clearance backlogs.
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