Major Tax Evasion Scheme Uncovered at Port Qasim

The Collectorate of Customs (Exports) at Port Qasim has uncovered a tax and duty evasion scheme valued at Rs825 million, implicating a trading unit within the Export Processing Zone (EPZ). A formal case has been filed against the company and its associates, accusing them of smuggling and misdeclaring goods.

The investigation was triggered by an audit of imports made by M/s Sardar Enterprises during the fiscal year 2023-24, following credible intelligence suggesting irregularities in the company's operations. Customs officials found that the company had abused the EPZ exemptions, breaching import laws and engaging in tax fraud.

In January, two consignments imported by the company were flagged during routine inspections. One shipment, falsely declared as containing mixed old and used LCD laptops, LCD panels, and computer components, was found to include used tablets and new keyboards—items prohibited under EPZ regulations. The second consignment, listed as cotton bales, was found to contain 14,000 kilograms of cellulose acetate tow, which also violated EPZ import restrictions. These misdeclarations allowed the company to evade significant duties and taxes, resulting in major losses for the national treasury.

As a result, Customs has filed cases against the company’s directors, Javed Rasheed and Waqar Insha, along with two clearing agents, Ahmed Shehzad Khan and Qurban Ali, linked to M/s Maryam Logistics. Two investigative teams have been formed to track down the suspects, and the investigation is ongoing