Customs Stops 24 Containers at Islamabad Dry Port Over Alleged Duty Irregularities

ISLAMABAD (Ihsan Bukhari): The Pakistan Customs has halted the clearance of 24 containers carrying auto parts worth millions of rupees at the Islamabad Dry Port over suspected manipulation of duty and taxes.

According to sources, the Chief Collector of Customs in Islamabad received information that certain auto parts and goods were allegedly being deliberately scrapped during inspection to reduce their assessed value and lower the payable duty.

Acting on this information, authorities formed a special team to stop and re-examine the containers. The containers were reportedly linked to multiple importers, and the investigation has created concern among both importers and customs officials at the dry port.

Sources further claim that high-duty auto parts, including components of luxury vehicles such as Mercedes, were allegedly cut or rendered unusable to classify them as scrap and reduce tax liability.

Senior officials, including Deputy Collector Farhadullah and Additional Collector Riaz Hussain of the CIU unit, were present on-site to supervise the inspection. An inquiry team comprising Additional Collector Natasha Faryad Shah and Superintendent Saleem is currently conducting a detailed investigation.

The Chief Collector has confirmed that the containers have been stopped, stating that the actual facts will be determined after the investigation is completed. Meanwhile, Collector Rizwan Salabat did not comment on the matter.

Authorities say further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe.