MULTAN, May 9th: Intelligence & Investigation (Customs) Multan is hunting tigers with sling and it is fighting against smugglers with out-moded weapons, limited resources and insufficient staff. In spite of that 61 cases were registered during the last four months worth Rs.1510 million.A number of non-custom paid vehicles and other goods were seized with the help of Law enforcing agencies. Deputy Director Intelligence & Investigation (Customs) Multan Abdul Mueed Kanju said that this region was spread from Kot Sabzal(Sadiqabad) to Sakhi Sarwar (Dera Ghazi Khan), Taunsa Sharif,Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal and Rojhan but under-staffing was main hurdle in our performance. He stressed the need for supply of modern weapons and equipment to face the dangerous smugglers, drug and arms traffickers besides appointment of at least five custom inspectors and their subordinate staff and drivers. He further said that there was dire need of the court of Special Judge Customs for immediate disposal of remand and bail cases. Explaining details of four months performance, Abdul Mueed Kanju said that we have collected revenue of Rs.39 million by selling confiscated goods through open auction. and 61 vehicle of different value and other goods was seized worth Rs.1.51 billion and foiled an attempt to evade the Government duty of Rs.85 million.He said that there was dire need of revival of Multan dry port which was deserted due to Infra structure development cess levied by Punjab Government, higher handling charge of the port.He said that exporters-Importers, Customs clearing agents, Dry port management and customs officers should sit together to find a feasible solution for the revival of Multan dry port. He disclosed that another dry port was being developed at Sadiqabad to facilitate the people of Rahimyarkhan, Rajanpur.He said that dry ports of Lahore, Sialkot and Rawalpindi were functioning very successfully but Multan and Faisalabad dry ports are in trouble.
