Seized petroleum products worth Rs222m: Senate panel seeks report from customs authorities

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Tuesday sought a report from the Customs authorities regarding the whereabouts of petroleum products worth Rs 222 million that were seized over the past five years. The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control was held here on Tuesday under the convenership of Senator Saifullah Abro. The meeting discussed the alleged theft of 2, 828 cartons of cigarettes from FBR godowns located in Swabi and Mardan, and questioned where petroleum products confiscated by the Customs over the last five years had been transported. Senator Saifullah Abro directed the concerned authorities to submit a comprehensive report tracing the movement and final destination of the seized fuel. He remarked that individuals involved in petroleum smuggling often openly make their videos, while the Customs authorities appear to have remained inactive. He further noted that petroleum smuggling continues openly in Balochistan. Senator Umar Farooq stressed the need for coordinated efforts to curb petroleum smuggling in Balochistan. He stated that diesel is currently being sold at Rs 240 per litre in Quetta and Rs 210 per litre in rural areas. A Customs official informed the committee that 75, 000 litres of diesel were seized in Hub the previous night, while additional quantities were also confiscated in Hyderabad, Sindh. The official added the Customs has no operational presence along the Iran border or in districts such as Panjgur, Gwadar, Kech, and Washuk, and remains limited to settled areas of Balochistan. He further stated that up to 3 million litres of petroleum products per day are currently allowed for local populations to import from Iran, down from a previous limit of 6. 5 million litres. He also noted that major oil marketing companies are not operational in several parts of Balochistan. During the meeting, officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) briefed the committee regarding the theft of 2828 cartons of cigarettes. They informed that, in compliance with the directions of the committee, an inquiry report regarding Chota Lahore, district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been prepared and submitted, containing all relevant details. They said that notices have been issued to all concerned authorities as per the directions of the committee. A letter has been sent to the Chief Secretary of Balochistan regarding petroleum-related matters in line with the committee’s directives, the said. Abro directed that detailed information be obtained from the Chief Secretary of Balochistan and a formal notice be issued in this regard. The committee summoned the Balochistan chief secretary to brief it regarding measures taken to control smuggling and related issues. The committee was also informed that a letter has been written to the member Customs regarding tax exemptions applicable in the merged districts, formerly known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Provincially Admin-istered Tribal Areas (PATA), and adjoining areas. Abro said that these regions have increasingly become hubs of smuggling, which is detrimental to the national economy. He noted that instead of development, these areas are witnessing tax evasion, and such activities are harming the country. He also said the disparity in the tax system, stating that those who pay taxes are burdened further, while others evade taxes. He remarked that he himself receives notices from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on the days committee meetings are held. He urged for strict action against the tobacco industries and directed the installation of pickets at all such facilities to ensure proper monitoring of stock movement. He stressed the importance of maintaining effective checks and balances on incoming and outgoing tobacco stocks. A senior official of FBR informed the Committee that competent and honest officers have been deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to curb corruption. He added that several new disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against dishonest officials, with many already dismissed from service during the current tenure. The committee also referred another case involving the embezzlement of Rs. 1. 28 billion in the 765kV Dasu–Islamabad Transmis-sion Line Grid Station project (Islamabad West, Lot-IV). He revealed that the said amount had not been included in the bid evaluation. Abro directed the FIA and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to take action against the contractor as well as the officials of NTDC involved in the matter. The convener directed that a letter be written to Pakistan States Oil(PSO) seeking detailed data on petroleum supplies to Balochistan, including transportation costs paid to tanker operators for the supply of products to the areas of Balochistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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