Pakistan Print edition: 2026-05-15

Missing silver case: Senior customs officials nearing arrest?

Published May 15, 2026 Updated May 15, 2026 08:18am

2 min

By Sohail Sarfraz

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Customs (Operations) Syed Shakeel Shah has said the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is very close to arrest senior customs officials involved in case of approximately 698 kilograms of missing silver during transportation after confiscation by Customs authorities.

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance Thursday also deliberated upon the case of missing silver during transportation after confiscation by Customs authorities.

FBR Member stated that the involved customs officials would be arrested, prosecuted and removed from their services. It was informed that approximately 698 kilograms of silver had been confiscated in various cases in Balochistan. However, during transportation, it was discovered that the consignment allegedly contained only 298 kilograms of silver, while the remaining 400 kilograms comprised lead. Customs officials informed the Committee that the matter appeared prima facie to be an insider job and that an inquiry had already been initiated by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Chairman Committee directed FBR to ensure recovery of the missing silver, identify the beneficiaries involved, and submit a comprehensive report. The matter was also referred to the Interior Sub-Committee for further investigation as well.

The Committee also took serious notice of the alleged seizure and auction irregularities involving 2,000 bags of skimmed milk confiscated by Customs Enforcement Karachi. Members were informed that although 2,000 bags were reportedly seized, only 1,750 bags were reflected in the FIR, while 250 bags remained unaccounted for. Customs authorities informed the Committee that the goods were confiscated on the basis of a tampered and fake Goods Declaration (GD), and that under customs laws, perishable goods may be auctioned immediately to prevent spoilage. The matter is currently pending before the Customs Court. Chairman Committee directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report within one week.

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