The President of Pakistan has directed the Director General of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs, FBR Islamabad to investigate the underhand auction of a vehicle.

The Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation (Customs), Quetta on 21.07.2022 conducted an auction in Quetta of various lots of vehicles including Lot No.55/2022, a Toyota Premio Car, 1800cc, Model 2007.

Qaim Khan appeared in the auction and offered a bid of Rs 2,525,000 which was 96 percent of the reserve price. He deposited earnest money of Rs. 500,000 with Customs, but his bid was rejected.

The second round of auction for the same vehicle was conducted on 22.08.2022. Arshad Khan offered a higher bid of Rs. 2,650,000 which was accepted by the Additional Director, IandI, Quetta.

Being the successful bidder in an open auction, he purchased the vehicle in accordance with the rules, paid the full amount including income tax and still awaited delivery of the vehicle.

However, after the second stage of the instant case, “pseudo complaint” filed by Zahoor Ahmed c/o Asad Baloch, was the tip of the iceberg. He stated that the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs held an auction on 21.07.2022 in which his bid was approved. This was more than 100 percent of the reserve price. At that time, he raised the objection that the FSL report of the lot was missing.

Meanwhile, the FSL report was shown to him during the auction. Additional Director, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs started creating hurdles with regard to the final approval of the bid and demanded bribes for approval which was given to him through Qaim Khan. He also met the Director who showed his helplessness saying that he had no concern with the auction.

FTO in his recommendations, had also directed FBR to direct the Director General, Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs, FBR Islamabad to investigate this underhand auction and initiate necessary disciplinary proceedings under EandD Rules, 2020 against officers and staff found responsible; the Director, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Customs, Quetta to cancel this fake auction proceedings and conduct afresh an open re-auction of the vehicle, as per law.

Source: Pro Pakistani