Life attempt on Superintendent Customs, Islamabad by Smugglers

On the morning of 18th October, 2012 at around 9:00 am, Mr. Zarghem Dil, Superintendent Customs (Preventive), Model Customs Collectorate, Islamabad while on his way to office was shot by two unknown assailants. The two assailants opened fire on his car as he was leaving his house. The bullet pierced through his left arm. He was later on shifted to PIMs Hospital Islamabad where his condition is stated to be out of danger.

Chairman FBR accompanied by Member Customs and Chief Collector (North) visited PIMS hospital to enquire about the health of the wounded / injured official. Chairman assured the officials present on the occasion that they should perform their official duties without fear and that the Government will bring to book the culprits involved in the attack on the official. A case has been registered with the local police and all efforts are made to apprehend the culprits.

The recent attack appears to be the result of the recent intensive anti-smuggling campaign launched by the Collectorate against smuggled/contraband goods and vehicles. In view of the recent directions of the Honorable Apex Court to seize smuggled / non duty paid vehicles this Collectorate has launched a vigorous campaign. As a result, 42 non-duty paid vehicles and seizures worth Rs. 120 Million have been made during the last three months. 18 persons have also been arrested who were involved in smuggling cases.

Furthermore, the Collectorate has made 07 major seizures of Gold, Currency and Narcotics, which includes 15.6 Kg of Gold at BBI, Airport, and seizure of 20 Kg of heroin in different cases. The two seizures of foreign currency worth Rs. 165 million and Rs. 70 million are the record seizure ever made by Pakistan Customs at any International Airport of Pakistan.

Officers / officials working in the anti-smuggling formations have been continuously receiving threats since the launch of this campaign. Despite these odds the Collectorate continue to seize smuggled goods and Non-duty paid vehicles alongwith the criminals involved in smuggling of these contrabands.

Asrar Raouf
Senior Member FBR/ Member (FATE)