Renowned Pakistani athlete Samar Khan has encountered an unexpected hurdle as Lahore customs detained her sponsored mountaineering boots, which were provided by an international company in recognition of her achievements. Despite being a national athlete from a developing country, Samar Khan has been asked to pay a hefty sum to release her equipment.
Samar Khan, who recently made history as the first Pakistani woman to conquer Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus, expressed her frustration on X (formerly Twitter). She revealed that Lahore customs have held her sponsored boots for three weeks. She tweeted,
My mountaineering boots are detained by Lahore customs (air freight unit) for 3 weeks as if I am a criminal or multi-millionaire!
Samar Khan also contacted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the PML-N government for assistance. “Please help me receive it so that I can use them for my upcoming expedition,” she appealed.
The situation highlights a broader issue faced by Pakistani athletes who often lack adequate support and resources from the government. When external sponsors step in to provide the necessary equipment, athletes like Samar Khan are met with bureaucratic hurdles and demands for duty payments.
This is not an isolated incident. Pakistani sprinter Sahib-e-Asra also faced similar difficulties when authorities demanded duty on her sponsored running shoes.
Samar Khan’s predicament has sparked outrage among supporters, who see the government’s actions as a significant impediment to the progress and recognition of national athletes.
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What a shame. It is an open secret that most of the cust official close their eyes from liqueur and other forbidden items but they become very strict to such items.
ملکی قانون سب کے لیئے ایک جیسا ہی ہے۔ اگر غیر ملکی سامان پہ ڈیوٹی بنتی ہے تو ادا کر کے اپنا سامان لے جاۓ، اس میں چیخنے چلانے کی ضرورت نہیں۔ مریم نواز سے مدد طلب کرنا بے کار ہے کیونکہ کسٹم کا محکمہ وفاقی سبجیکٹ ہے نہ کہ صوبائی۔
‘Our athletes’ does not mean a preferential treatment. She must pay the duty if leviable. We must bring to an end the culture of celebrities and VIPs. She should only be exempted if there is a provision in the Law. If none, she should be treated just L ke an ordinary Pakistani.
Please release summer khan’s mountainer shoes.All the sportsmen and sportswomen they are doing on their behalf.Government of Pakistan and all provincial Government not supporting the sports.
The authorities tell me one thing if any HIGH PROFILE person in Pakistan Import a luxury car,can you ask them about Custom or duty?so why you are creating the problem for a Sammar khan?