FBR suspends several Customs officials in the silver swap scandal and starts a criminal inquiry.

In the ongoing silver exchange case, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken big steps. They have suspended several customs agents and started a criminal investigation against those who are thought to have been implicated in corruption.

An official notice says that officers from different grades have been suspended. This includes a Grade 20 collector, policemen from Grades 18 and 17, and three officials from Grade 16. The crackdown is part of a bigger plan to make sure the customs service is held accountable.

Dr. Karam Elahi, a Grade 20 officer who was the director of intelligence in Peshawar, is one of those who has been suspended. Hammad Ahmed, a Grade 18 officer who was previously the deputy director at Customs Collectorate Quetta, has also been suspended. Muhammad Yousuf, the Assistant Collector Quetta (Grade 17), and Samiullah and Arif Ali Jumani, both Preventive Officers (Grade 16), are also on the list of people who have been suspended.

The FBR said that there is an ongoing criminal investigation under FIR No. 01 against people who are thought to be engaged in the silver swap case. Officials have said again that they will hold all those guilty accountable.

In a parallel move, the FBR has hired a new team for Quetta Customs Enforcement. A new Collector and Additional Collector will be in charge of operations and making sure everything is open and honest.

The revenue body has said that it will not tolerate corruption at all and that any officials found guilty will face harsh punishment. An FBR spokesperson said, “Corruption will not be tolerated at any level, and those who are involved will face severe punishment.”

As the authorities continue to look into the issue, more progress is expected in the inquiry in the next few days.