Fake NoCs of PNRA used for import: huge quantity of MRI, CT scan machines recovered from godown

Customs Intelligence, Peshawar, has recovered huge quantity of radiation generating equipment, including CT scan and MRI machines attempted to be imported into Pakistan using fake and forged NoCs of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).
Sources said that acting upon the specific information of its Director General Shaukat Ali, Customs Intelligence Peshawar recovered large quantity of radiation generating equipment attempted to be imported into the country in violation of relevant provisions of the law.
According to sources, on receiving information that M/s Laiba International has cleared radiation generating apparatuses using fake and forged NoCs issued on behalf of Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), Customs Intelligence raided the godown of the importer located at Industrial Estate Hayatabad, Peshawar. On detailed scrutiny of the godown, the staff of Customs Intelligence found radiation generating apparatuses like CT scan and MRI machines, etc, stored therein. The details of import documents presented to the raiding staff were examined on the spot. It was found that apparatuses were cleared either against fake or bogus PNRA certificates or without PNRA certificates having been furnished to Customs.
It is pertinent to mention here that import of secondhand and used radiation generating apparatuses is allowed subject to provision of NoC from PNRA as required in terms of Import Policy Order (IPO), 2016. Accordingly, the said machines have been seized for violation of the IPO. The value of the seized apparatuses works out to Rs 70 million. Moreover, the importer had previously, and unlawfully, imported/cleared identical radiation generating apparatuses on the basis of fake and bogus NoCs. The cumulative value of the case is Rs 113 million. An FIR of the case has been lodged against the importer and his accomplices. Further investigation is in progress in this regard, the sources added.