To nab organised gangs smuggling foreign currencies and brining gold into Pakistan, customs authorities have implemented a foolproof system at Benazir Bhutto Islamabad International Airport and foiled a major attempt to smuggle gold in the country on Wednesday.
Sources told Business Recorder that a major crackdown has been launched at Islamabad Airport against smuggling of gold and currency. Some unscrupulous elements were trying to smuggle foreign currency from Pakistan and smuggle back gold of the same amount from different airports. A major attempt to smuggle gold was foiled by customs staff at Islamabad International Airport.
On receiving credible reports of attempts of currency/gold smuggling, Dr Arslan Subuctageen, Collector of Customs, Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad, has immediately enforced measures at the said airport. Details revealed that a passenger Liaquat Ali, who arrived from Muscat via PIA Flight PK-292, was carrying gold concealed in the inner pocket of his jacket. Total quantity of gold was 727 grams and its approximate value was Rs 3.2 million. The case is under investigation and an FIR has been lodged.
According to sources, the incident of intercepting gold smuggling clearly reflects towards the new measures enforced at Islamabad International Airport by deputing vigilance teams to monitor international flights destined to Dubai, China and Bangkok.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has already directed all the agencies to take strict measures immediately against criminal elements involved in the smuggling of gold and currency and take them to task as per the country's law.
The Collector of Customs has taken proactive measures to curb smuggling of currency and gold at the Islamabad Airport. For the first time, the VVIP Lounge would be strictly checked and monitored by the special staff of the customs. Moreover, body search by members of other agencies would be carried out on random basis at the airport.
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