A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and
Narcotics Control Sub-committee was held under the chairmanship of Senator
Saifullah Abro, in which the case of theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes
seized from FBR warehouses in Swabi and Mardan was reviewed. Senator Muhammad
Talha Mahmood and Senator Umar Farooq also attended the meeting.
The committee expressed strong displeasure over the absence
of Chairman FBR and clarified that his presence in the next meeting is
mandatory to bring this important public matter to a logical conclusion.
The committee was informed that the seized goods were seized
in 2024 and three officials — a watchman, a deputy messenger and a driver were
dismissed on the recommendations of the Internal Inquiry Committee. However,
the committee expressed serious reservations over the discrepancies found in
the inquiry report. The convener questioned on what basis the lower-level
employees were held responsible when the seals, roof and locks installed in the
warehouse were found to be in good condition as per the police and FIA reports
and whether they could have carried out the theft with such skill.
The committee also expressed concern that the exact date of
the theft is still unknown. The committee expressed concern that the
responsibility seems to be limited to only the lower-level staff while the
higher-ups seem to be devoid of accountability.
The committee members expressed dissatisfaction over the
submission of incomplete working papers. The FIA investigation team informed
the committee that despite repeated requests, CCTV footage, stock register and
internal inquiry report are not being provided. The committee expressed serious
concern over the non-provision of important records to the FIA.
The committee also questioned the decision as to why the
seized goods were shifted from a warehouse equipped with CCTV cameras to a
warehouse where there was no surveillance system. The convener directed the FBR
to provide complete documents including details of the authority competent to
order the shift and the proceedings of the internal inquiry committee.
The committee was informed that the FBR has taken steps to
further strengthen the security system and formulate comprehensive SOPs,
however, members, citing recent theft incidents, sought details of all such
cases since 2012. The convener directed that the stocktaking officers who first
revealed the thefts be presented in the next meeting.
The sub-committee appreciated the efforts of the FIA
investigation team and directed the FBR to provide full cooperation.
Stressing on the eradication of corruption, the convener said that the
committee is in favour of institutional reforms but negligence or concealment
of facts will not be tolerated. He directed that the FBR board members,
secretary law division and other concerned officials should ensure their attendance
in the upcoming meeting. He stressed the need for strict accountability,
especially in cases where the assets of officers are questionable.
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