According to multiple sources, a well-established network of
transporters, goods carriers, and traders has been facilitating the movement of
non-custom-paid goods worth billions of rupees into key markets across the
province every month.
The network allegedly relies on various goods depots and
transport companies to move a wide range of items, including cloth, oil, dry
fruits, motor parts, diesel, and other commodities. Among those repeatedly
named in connection with these activities are individuals such as Matin Khan,
known for milk supply operations; China Salt; Zakir Khan; Feroz Khan; and Noor
Muhammad from Quetta, all of whom are said to be involved in supplying smuggled
goods into Punjab markets. Transport operators like Ali Abbas Goods, Qamar
Goods, and Maulvi Afzal Goods are described as playing a central logistical
role in ensuring the steady flow of these goods from border regions into urban
centers.
Further allegations point to the involvement of traders such
as Ibrahim Khan Dry Fruit and Murtaza Khan, who are reportedly engaged in
handling non-custom-paid goods on a large scale. Gul Khan, associated with Star
Goods in Quetta, is also cited as a key figure in sustaining this trade. The
network is believed to have strong roots among groups of traders originating
from Peshawar, many of whom operate through established channels in Quetta
before distributing goods onward to Punjab.
Faisalabad, in particular, is described as a major hub where
these goods are received, stored, and redistributed to other cities including
Sargodha and Sahiwal. Local facilitators, including individuals like Saeed
Cloth Wala, Sheikh Mujeeb Oil Wala, Zulfiqar Pansota, and Tufail Mistry, are
alleged to be actively involved in handling and distributing these goods within
the city. Specific locations such as the Motor Market, Mohsin Adda, Railway
Mall warehouses, and other commercial points are reportedly being used as
storage and transit centers.
The scale of the operation, as described by sources,
suggests an organized system functioning with a high degree of coordination and
financial backing. Monthly transactions are said to run into billions of
rupees, causing significant losses to the national exchequer, particularly in
cities like Sargodha, where revenue losses are estimated in crores.
Serious allegations have also been raised regarding the role
of certain customs officials. Superintendent Customs Abdullah Naeem Bhatti in
Sargodha and Superintendent Asif in Sahiwal have been accused by sources of
facilitating or failing to effectively curb smuggling activities. Despite these
claims, both individuals reportedly continue to hold their positions, raising
concerns about accountability and enforcement gaps within the system.
Sources further claim that the smuggling network operates
with such influence that enforcement actions remain limited or ineffective.
While there have been reports of raids and arrests, including an incident
involving Noor Muhammad from Quetta being caught red-handed, these actions
appear insufficient to dismantle the broader network. Allegations have also
surfaced about the involvement or awareness of certain elements within secret
agencies, though these claims remain unverified.
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