Karachi, February 1, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced the suspension of 45 customs agents involved in manipulating the Faceless Customs Assessment System.
This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to uphold integrity and combat corruption within Pakistan’s customs operations. The suspension of these agents is a clear message that the FBR remains committed to maintaining transparency, fairness, and efficiency in its operations.
READ MORE: FBR files criminal case against faceless customs manipulators
The Faceless Customs Assessment System, introduced as a key initiative by the FBR, was designed to streamline the customs clearance process, reduce human intervention, and minimize corruption. Unfortunately, some customs agents attempted to exploit vulnerabilities in this system, prompting Pakistan Customs to take immediate action. In response to this manipulation, the FBR suspended the licenses of the following customs agents:
1. M/s. M Qaseem Traders
2. M/s. Rapid Logistics (Pvt) Limited
3. M/s. Ansa International
4. M/s. Fazal & Co.
5. M/s. Mukarram Enterprises
6. M/s. Allied Universal Enterprises
7. M/s. Captain Enterprises
8. M/s. S.M. Enterprises
9. M/s. Wali Enterprises
10. M/s. Morriswala and Co.
11. M/s. Trade Line International
12. M/s. Al-Fatima International
13. M/s. M. Nadeem Associates
14. M/s. Fawad Omead Enterprises
15. M/s. Jawad & Company
16. M/s. Faisal Associates
17. M/s. Enterprises Agency
18. M/s. Eastern Agencies Corporation
19. M/s. TAU Corporation
20. M/s. Azhar Enterprises
21. M/s. Pabani Trade Linkers
22. M/s. Siddique Sons
23. M/s. Ali Impex
24. M/s. K.Y. Shippers
25. M/s. Shafco International
26. M/s. Zulfiqar Associates
27. M/s. A.I Rehman & Sons
28. M/s. Libah Enterprises
29. M/s. Junaid Qamar Enterprises
30. M/s. Shams Trading Co.
31. M/s. Fahad Impex
32. M/s. Manab Group
33. M/s. HMA Enterprises
34. M/s. Hamd Associates
35. M/s. Cargo Trading System
36. M/s. Allied Shippers International
37. M/s. Huznaib Enterprises
38. M/s. Eagle C&F Agency
39. M/s. Zeeshan Enterprises
40. M/s. Commodity Services Agency
41. M/s. Z.S Sachwani & Co.
42. M/s. Amna Enterprises
43. M/s. New Vision
44. M/s. Bismillah Logistics (Pvt) Limited
45. M/s. A.K Enterprises
These agents have been suspended with immediate effect, pending further orders, and show-cause notices have been issued to them under the Customs Agents Rules, requiring them to explain their involvement in this illicit activity. The FBR has also initiated criminal proceedings against certain customs officers, agents, and private individuals who were found tampering with the system.
In addition, a senior appraising officer, who was found guilty of collusion in the manipulation of the Faceless Customs Assessment System, has been suspended. Formal disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the officer under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules.
The Faceless Customs Assessment System was introduced by the FBR to enhance operational transparency and ensure that customs clearance procedures are both efficient and standardized. This new system aims to reduce the need for direct human involvement in the assessment process, thus minimizing opportunities for corruption. However, the recent attempt by these customs agents to exploit weaknesses in the system has led to swift action from Pakistan Customs.
The FBR’s vigilance teams, in coordination with Karachi Customs, played a pivotal role in identifying and foiling the fraudulent activities. Karachi Customs had already been directed by the FBR to closely monitor the system’s operations and report any irregularities. The latest series of suspensions and disciplinary actions demonstrate the FBR’s commitment to upholding its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and malpractice.
With these decisive actions, the FBR aims to ensure that the customs clearance process remains transparent, efficient, and free from corruption, fostering a more secure and fair trading environment in Pakistan. The suspension of these customs agents is an essential step toward reinforcing the integrity of Pakistan’s customs system.