By Our Correspondent
LAHORE — The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Lahore, has achieved a remarkable performance in its anti-smuggling operations during the first quarter (July to September) of fiscal year 2025–26, under the leadership of Collector Muhammad Saeed Wattoo.
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According to official data, the Collectorate conducted 105 seizures worth Rs1,678.21 million, showing a 115 per cent increase in number of cases and over 100 per cent rise in CIF value compared to 48 seizures worth Rs781.22 million during the same period last year.
The seized commodities included non-duty paid (NCP) vehicles, cigarettes, electronics, mobile phones, tyres, fabrics, and POL products, with the total value of confiscated goods reaching Rs1.678 billion, more than double the previous year’s Rs781 million.
Among major seizures, cigarettes worth Rs400 million, miscellaneous goods worth Rs505 million, and NCP vehicles worth Rs267 million topped the list, reflecting the Collectorate’s aggressive campaign against smuggling networks.
Equally impressive was the surge in auction revenue, which soared to Rs683 million during July–September 2025–26, compared to only Rs101.61 million in the same period of 2024–25 — a nearly sevenfold increase.
This performance is credited to the close supervision and strategic direction of Collector Muhammad Saeed Wattoo, supported by Additional Collector (ASO) Wajid Ali, Assistant Collector (ASO) Arsalan Mughal, and the dedicated efforts of Superintendent Rashid Munir and his enforcement team including Inspectors Abdul Ghaffar, Suleman Ameer, Hafiz Usman Ghani, Meral Marton, Muhammad Arfaq, Muhammad Romeel, Muhammad Ahmad, Ch Faisal Bashir, Azeem and Mirza Haroon Baig.
The rise in enforcement results highlights the Collectorate’s unwavering commitment to curbing smuggling, protecting local industries, and boosting government revenue through effective operations and transparent auction processes.
