The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a high-level inquiry into the alleged theft of hundreds of kilograms of seized silver from the custody of Pakistan Customs.
The proper investigation was initiated by the FBR after the investigators discovered that much of the consignment had allegedly been replaced with lead bricks before reaching its destination.
The Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has approved the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate nine Customs officers over the incident, which is being described as one of the biggest scandals involving Pakistan Customs in recent years.
According to an official order issued by the Revenue Division, the committee has been tasked with conducting disciplinary proceedings under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.
It is headed by Additional Inspector General of the National Highways and Motorway Police Ashraf Zubair Siddiqui, alongside senior civil servants Abrar Ahmed Mirza and Ashhad Jawwad.
The case centres on a consignment of 688 kilograms of silver seized during anti-smuggling operations in Balochistan’s Chagai district.
The shipment, packed in 36 sealed boxes, was transported from the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Quetta to the Pakistan Mint in Lahore in April 2026 for testing and official deposit.
However, officials at the Pakistan Mint allegedly found that around 400 kilograms of the silver had been replaced with lead bricks.
An internal Customs investigation reportedly concluded that CCTV footage from Safe City Quetta showed the vehicle carrying the original consignment being exchanged during transit with another vehicle allegedly loaded with lead bricks.
The inquiry has been expanded to examine whether senior Customs officials were involved in or failed to prevent the alleged theft.
Among those facing disciplinary proceedings is former Collector of Customs Enforcement Quetta, Dr Karam Elahi, who is currently in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and has been suspended by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Several other Customs officials, including former additional and deputy collectors, assistant collectors, preventive officers and inspectors, have also been named in the investigation.
The government has appointed Muhammad Imran Khan Mohmand, Director General of Customs Reforms and Automation, as the hearing officer, while the Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement Islamabad will act as the departmental representative.
The inquiry committee has been directed to complete its investigation within 60 days and submit its findings to the prime minister, including whether the allegations have been proven and recommendations for further action.
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