Wheat crisis: FBR sacks seven customs officials involved in smuggling

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Sunday dismissed seven customs officials from service over their alleged involvement in wheat smuggling in the backdrop of wheat shortage and unbridled flour prices across the country.

Among the sacked officials are four collectors, additional collectors and deputy commissioners who were part of the Torkham and Chaman Customs operations, the sources told INP.

Officials were found involved in smuggling and fabricating concession certificates to allow undue tax and duty exemptions.

Meanwhile, FBR has written to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to carry out further investigations into the scam so as to bring to light all those involved in the scandal.

PM Imran Khan had formed a probe body to look into the wheat scarcity in the country.

Headed by Federal Investigative Bureau (FIA) Director General Wajid Zia, the three-member committee comprises a member from the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

The committee has been tasked to determine those responsible for creating the crisis and suggest possible measures to be taken against the culprits.

The committee is also required to give its suggestions on wheat stocking and future plans of handling the produce.