The government’s tax watchdog, the Federal Tax Ombudsman, has given customs officials a final warning after discovering expensive mobile phones that were supposed to be destroyed were sold on the market.
Despite proof that customs employees were involved, no one has been punished. The tax office stepped in after learning that 22 high-end phones, worth millions of rupees, had vanished.
A government investigation found that 42 expensive iPhones (14 Pro Max models) were seized at the airport but disappeared. Officials say that records show all the phones were destroyed, but 22 are still being used. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that these phones are working.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman has called for punishment for customs officials who stole expensive phones through the Customs Collectorate and Islamabad Airport. But so far, nothing has been done. The tax office has expressed frustration and has ordered the FBR to take departmental action against the officials in question.
In response to this, the Obdusman’s advisor, Dr. Arslan has issued a final notice to the Secretary of the Revenue Division, the Member Customs (Operations) of the FBR, and the Collector of the Collectorate of Customs at Islamabad International Airport.
The advisor’s notice has ordered officials to follow through on their recommendations within the next 30 days. A progress report is required at the end of this period.
📢 For the latest Tech & Telecom news, videos and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Support independent journalism
If you want to join us in our mission to share independent, global journalism to the world, we’d love to have you on our side. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you can rest assured that you’re making a big impact every single month in support of open, independent journalism. Thank you.
Every other person traveled or travel frequently knows that almost all of the airport staff involved in apple products smuggling. Especially dubai flights are pre planned to facilitate on spot by custom officials. Just one day go and check the mobile phone market and see the number of non pta non active phones and where are they coming from?
Why are phones worth millions destroyed and not auctioned off to increase revenues? Similar to the cars worth crores that are stuck at Karachi Port and Islamabad Dry Port as well, those cars can easily be auctioned off but instead have been left to rot in the sun for years.
The incompetence of this Government knows no bounds.
Law and order in Pakistan.i saw a news yesterday in which an official of water department was suspended or dismissed for exposing 200+ illegal water connecrions.he was warned to take bribe and step back but refusing to do so.he faced suspension but no reason was given.so dont take this jape too far.