Intelligence officer removed from service after inquiry finds misconduct, SOP violations and unauthorised seizure operation
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed the major penalty of dismissal from service on a customs intelligence officer in Karachi after disciplinary proceedings concluded that he conducted an unauthorised anti-smuggling operation, violated departmental procedures, and acted beyond his jurisdiction.
According to an official notification, Syed Adnan Kafeel, Superintendent (BS-17) of the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs, Karachi, was dismissed from service with immediate effect following inquiries conducted under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
The disciplinary action stemmed from allegations of inefficiency, misconduct, and corruption arising from violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs), failure to keep supervisory officers informed about operational activities, and undertaking actions outside his authorised jurisdiction.
An initial inquiry carried out by Additional Collector Customs Basit Hussain found the officer guilty of inefficiency, misconduct, and corruption to the extent of failing to observe departmental procedures and withholding critical operational information from his reporting hierarchy. The inquiry officer had recommended a minor penalty of withholding three annual increments with cumulative effect.
However, the competent authority reviewed the findings and determined that several key aspects of the case had not been adequately examined. Consequently, a fresh de novo inquiry was ordered to reassess the matter comprehensively.
The subsequent inquiry, conducted by Salman Afzal (PCS/BS-19), concluded in April 2026 and established charges of inefficiency and misconduct. The inquiry officer recommended the major penalty of dismissal from service under Rule 4(e) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
The case centred on an operation involving the interception of two trawlers carrying Iranian tiles near the Mochko Customs Check-Post in Karachi. During proceedings, departmental representatives informed authorities that the officer had facilitated the passage of the vehicles through the customs checkpoint by claiming they had been intercepted by the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs.
According to official records, the operation was conducted without authorisation, outside the officer’s assigned jurisdiction, and in violation of prescribed departmental procedures. The trawlers were later released near Karachi, while the officer and accompanying personnel were subsequently taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
During the hearing, the officer admitted that he had independently undertaken the operation and argued that the vehicles were released after verification of customs documentation and confirmation of duty and tax payments. However, he failed to provide documentary evidence to substantiate those claims.
After reviewing the inquiry reports, written submissions, and oral arguments, the Member Administration/HR, acting as the competent authority, concluded that the officer had acted without approval, failed to notify his superiors, and facilitated the movement of vehicles through a customs checkpoint without proper legal justification.
As a result, the FBR imposed the major penalty of dismissal from service under Rule 4(3)(e) read with Rule 16(7)(b) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.
The notification further stated that the period of suspension from October 11, 2024, until the date of dismissal would be treated as leave admissible under the Revised Leave Rules, 1980.
The dismissed officer retains the right to file an appeal before the relevant appellate authority within 30 days in accordance with the Civil Servants (Appeals) Rules, 1977.
