‘Harassment’ incidents by Customs field staff: FTO orders issuance of SOP for interception of suspected vehicles

ISLAMABAD: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has recommended to Director General of Directorate General of I&I (Customs) to issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) for interception of suspected vehicles to control the incidents of harassment by Customs field staff.

In this connection the FTO issued an order on Thursday.

The complaint was filed with the FTO against Deputy Superintendent and other officials, Directorate of I&I (Customs), Lahore, in terms of Section 10(1) of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000 (FTO Ordinance), for initiation of Departmental legal proceedings for abuse of power, illegal harassment, demanding gratification/bribe from the complainant.

The FTO’s order revealed that the FBR should direct the Director General, Directorate General of I&I (Customs) to conduct a fact finding inquiry into the incident regarding misbehavior and attitude of officials; demands of bribe from the complainant and damage to vehicle, initiate necessary disciplinary proceedings against those found guilty.

The FBR should issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) for interception of suspected vehicles duly taking into the account, inter alia, the sanctity of families and ordinary citizens to curb the incidents of harassment by Customs field staff.

The FBR should also direct all Regional Directors, Intelligence & Investigations — Customs to personally conduct training sessions for the field staff to inculcate a more professional, sympathetic and objective behavior in the Customs field staff and report compliance within 45 days. It is evident that complainant’s vehicle was detained for want of verification from forensic lab and vehicle was released to actual owner on receipt of verification report.

The departmental representative contended that all was done in good

faith as per law. The complainant’s contention regarding damage

caused to his vehicle needs to be investigated. There was no

need to behave in such a manner with the family members, to off load them on the road side. This kind of treatment cannot be meted out to people on the basis of suspicion only. They were not criminals but ordinary citizens who have the right to be treated with courtesy and consideration. The staff could have escorted the

vehicle to the airport/home and then taken control of the vehicle. This behaviour on the part of the staff was oppressive and uncalled for and amounts to maladministration. The demands of bribe also need to be investigated, FTO order added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023