By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: – In a resounding victory for Pakistan Customs, the Enforcement team has secured a major conviction in a gold smuggling case, underscoring the iron resolve of Chief Collector Customs (Enforcement) Basit Maqsood Abbasi and Collector Muhammad Saeed Watto in protecting the nation’s economic frontiers.
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The case stems from a daring interception on September 30, 2014 at at Allama Iqbal International Airport, when Customs officers, acting under the direct supervision of their leadership, intercepted a passenger named Irfan Tariq, who had arrived from Dubai on Shaheen Air flight NL-767.
Attempting to slip through the green channel, the passenger was stopped by Superintendent Customs, and a meticulous search led to the recovery of 3.135 kilograms of concealed gold jewellery, hidden in polythene bags tied around his waist and even in an anklet strapped to his leg.
An FIR (No. 16/2014) was swiftly registered under the Customs Act, 1969, and trial proceedings commenced before the Court of Special Judge Customs, Taxation, and Anti-Smuggling, Lahore. After years of determined legal follow-up, the judgment was finally delivered on September 4, 2025.
The court sentenced the accused to six years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a staggering fine of Rs12.5 million.
This judgment is being hailed as an achievement for Lahore Customs Enforcement. The conviction not only reflects the airtight investigation and prosecution but also reaffirms the department’s commitment to choke the channels of gold smuggling that threaten the national economy.
Chief Collector Basit Maqsood Abbasi, known for his uncompromising stance on enforcement, has been credited for steering his team with exceptional resolve and ensuring that no stone was left unturned in the pursuit of justice. His focus on strengthening anti-smuggling operations across the province has repeatedly borne fruit in the form of record seizures and convictions.
Collector Muhammad Saeed Watto also won accolades for his hands-on approach and dynamic supervision of enforcement operations. His leadership in facilitating strict monitoring of green channels at airports is widely seen as a critical factor in nabbing smugglers attempting to bypass lawful procedures.
With the diligent efforts of Abbasi, Watto and their officers including (I&P) Superintendent Customs Anjum Sheraz, Lahore Customs Enforcement has once again sent a loud and clear message: those who dare to smuggle will face the full might of the law.
