FBR Directs Investigation into 'Neglectful, Inept, Incompetent' Customs Officers Detaining a Jeep
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to probe accusations of mismanagement and mishandling in a case concerning the release of a vehicle by Customs officials at the Collectorate of Customs (Appraisement) in Taftan and Quetta.
The complaint, lodged under Section 10(1) of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000, revolves around the release of a Grand Cherokee Jeep imported into Pakistan on 19.07.2023 at the Collectorate of Customs (Appraisement) in Taftan.
The complainant, an individual returning to Pakistan after 26 years in Germany and lacking knowledge of import duty payment mechanisms due to illiteracy, was not properly guided by Customs authorities. Instead, the officials detained the vehicle at Taftan for three days before transferring it to NLC Dryport in Quetta for further procedures. The vehicle remained at NLC Dryport for over four months without a lawful detention notice before being sent to Islamabad Dryport for export to Germany.
The FTO deemed the actions of Customs officials at Taftan and Quetta Collectorates as unreasonable, biased, and indicative of neglect, incompetence, inefficiency, and ineptitude, constituting maladministration under Section 2(3)(i)(b) & (ii) of the FTO Ordinance.
As a result, the FTO directed the FBR to:
- Re-investigate the case under Section 195 of the Customs Act, 1969, and allow the complainant an opportunity to present their side.
- Issue a new speaking order, considering relevant legal references, and grant the complainant a chance to re-export the vehicle and caravan within 30 days.
- Commence departmental inquiries against officials of the Collectorates of Customs (Appraisement) Taftan and Quetta, as per the charges raised by the complainant and the Collector (Adjudication), Islamabad.
- Take necessary disciplinary actions under E&D Rules, 2020, against officers/officials responsible for maladministration.
- Return the complainant’s passport promptly and refrain from auctioning the vehicles until a new order under Section 195 of the Customs Act, 1969, is issued.
