Quetta: Senior leadership of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) undertook an official visit to Customs House Quetta on January 8 and 9 as part of efforts to strengthen anti-smuggling enforcement and facilitate legitimate trade across Balochistan.
The delegation was led by Syed Shakeel Shah, Member (Customs Operations), FBR Islamabad, and accompanied by Basit Maqsood Abbasi, Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement, Islamabad.
Upon arrival, the visiting officials were received by Masood Ahmed, Chief Collector of Customs (Appraisement), Balochistan; Karam Elahi, Collector of Customs (Enforcement), Quetta; Daud Pirzado, Collector of Customs (Appraisement), Quetta and Taftan; and Fazle Samad, Collector of Customs (Enforcement), Gaddani, along with senior officers from various Customs formations.
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During the briefing session, Masood Ahmed presented an overview of trade dynamics in Balochistan and highlighted key challenges faced by the local trading community. Karam Elahi briefed the delegation on sustained anti-smuggling drives, intelligence-based operations (IBOs), and revenue gains achieved through strict enforcement measures. Fazle Samad highlighted robust enforcement actions and significant recoveries made in the Gaddani jurisdiction.
A delegation from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry also met the senior FBR leadership and raised trade-related concerns. The visiting officials issued on-the-spot directions for the expeditious resolution of the issues highlighted by the business community.
As part of the visit, senior FBR officials planted saplings at Customs House Quetta, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to environmental responsibility. They also inaugurated two newly established Customs Enforcement sections aimed at strengthening operational capacity.
The visit further included a courtesy call on the Pakistan Army Corps Commander Quetta, followed by an interactive session with senior leadership of law enforcement agencies. Participants included the Inspector General Frontier Corps (North and South), Director General Pakistan Coast Guards, and the Chief of Staff. Discussions focused on enhancing inter-agency coordination, improving border management, facilitating legitimate trade, and intensifying collective efforts against smuggling.
Concluding the visit, the senior FBR leadership appreciated the performance of Pakistan Customs formations in Balochistan, particularly their role in anti-smuggling operations and improved revenue collection.
