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–FBR names eight suspended officers in expanding silver swap case as criminal investigation proceeds under FIR filed earlier this month
Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Sunday late night named eight customs officers suspended after fresh findings in a high-profile silver swap investigation pointed to direct involvement, negligence, and administrative lapses.
The latest inquiry follows an earlier statement issued on April 13, when authorities first disclosed irregularities linked to the case. Officials said new evidence led to the suspension of Dr. Karam Elahi (PCS/BS-20), Hammad Ahmed (PCS/BS-18), and Muhammad Yousaf (PCS/BS-17) as part of widening departmental proceedings.
The FBR also suspended Samiullah, Preventive Officer (BS-16), Arif Ali Jumani, Preventive Officer (BS-16), and Yasir Arafat, Preventive Officer (BS-16), citing their alleged roles in the case. In addition, Qamar Abbas, Inspector (BS-16), and Ali Kamran, Inspector (BS-16), were placed under suspension by competent authorities.
Officials said the disciplinary actions were taken after evidence indicated varying degrees of involvement, inefficiency, and oversight failures. The case has also entered the criminal stage, with investigators pursuing charges under FIR No. 01 dated April 13, 2026, against those found directly involved.
Authorities said other beneficiaries linked to the alleged misconduct have been identified and would be brought to justice under relevant laws. Financial details of the silver swap transaction were not disclosed and remain under review as part of ongoing investigations.
To ensure impartiality, three new officers have been posted to the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Quetta, replacing the previous team. A new Collector and Additional Collector have already assumed charge to expedite independent and transparent investigations.
The case highlights persistent governance challenges within Pakistan’s customs administration, which remains a key pillar of revenue collection. According to official data, customs duties and related levies contribute a significant share to federal tax revenues, underscoring the importance of enforcement integrity.
Pakistan has long struggled with smuggling and trade misdeclaration, particularly in border regions such as Balochistan. Reports from the State Bank of Pakistan and international institutions have flagged illicit trade as a major source of revenue leakage and market distortion.
In recent years, reforms such as the Pakistan Single Window initiative have aimed to digitize trade processes and reduce human discretion in customs clearance. However, experts say accountability and internal oversight remain critical to sustaining these gains.
The Federal Board of Revenue reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, stating that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any official involved in malpractice, regardless of rank or position.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to carry broader implications for governance reforms as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen revenue administration under ongoing fiscal consolidation measures. The Federal Board of Revenue said it would pursue the case to its logical conclusion, reinforcing accountability within Pakistan Customs.
