Karachi, February 4, 2025 – The ongoing standoff between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the All Pakistan Customs Clearing Agents Association (APCCA) has reached a critical juncture, with the customs sector facing potential paralysis if the government does not address APCCA’s demands. As tensions escalate, the question remains whether authorities will engage in negotiations or maintain their rigid stance against the association’s ultimatum.
The FBR has reinforced its commitment to taking stringent action against those attempting to manipulate the Faceless Customs Assessment System (FCAS), despite facing threats and alleged blackmail from customs agents. According to official sources, FCAS was implemented to enhance transparency, minimize human interaction, and streamline customs clearance. However, factions discontent with restricted avenues for illicit financial gains are reportedly seeking to undermine the initiative.
A senior FBR official stated, “Some quarters are displeased with the new customs clearance system as it has significantly curtailed illicit financial leakages.” The official further alleged that customs agents were leveraging blackmail tactics by threatening to expose corruption within the department. However, he emphasized that the FBR is resolute in its mission and fully prepared to take decisive measures to uphold the integrity of the system.
The official underscored that the suspension of 45 customs agents followed an in-depth investigation into malpractices and was not an arbitrary decision. Meanwhile, APCCA has demanded the immediate restoration of these licenses and called for a forensic audit of FCAS, arguing that the system has inherent flaws that must be addressed.
APCCA Chairman Saifullah Khan has issued a stark warning that if the demands are not met within 15 days, customs clearance operations nationwide will be suspended. He criticized the authorities, alleging that a single officer’s mismanagement has thrown the system into chaos. Furthermore, Khan accused officials of misleading Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by falsely presenting the system as a robust, foolproof mechanism.
Khan went on to highlight alleged corruption within Pakistan Customs, claiming that certain officials accumulate substantial wealth within months, enabling them to purchase luxury properties in Karachi’s Defence. He also condemned the degrading behavior of public servants toward customs agents, arguing that such practices stifle economic growth and create an adversarial working environment.
The APCCA chairman also criticized the Chief Collector Appraisement, stating that a two-year tenure in Karachi is insufficient for an officer to fully comprehend the complexities of an international trade hub. He affirmed that APCCA is willing to disclose detailed profiles of customs officers to expose inefficiencies and corruption.
Previously, the FBR issued a press statement revealing that Pakistan Customs successfully thwarted an attempt to manipulate FCAS. The Karachi Customs team, under FBR’s directive, identified those involved and took firm action. As a result, the licenses of 45 customs agents found complicit in the scheme were suspended, while show-cause notices were issued under the Customs Agents Rules. Additionally, an appraising officer implicated in the case was suspended, with a formal inquiry initiated under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules.
A criminal case has also been registered against the culprits, which includes customs agents, the appraising officer, and private individuals allegedly involved in the attempt to exploit FCAS. A dedicated investigative team has been formed, with three arrests already made. Raids are actively being conducted to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.
The confrontation between FBR and APCCA continues to intensify, casting uncertainty over the country’s customs operations. Whether the government will negotiate or maintain its uncompromising stance against the customs agents’ alleged coercion remains to be seen.