Pakistan Customs has ordered a detailed audit of pay orders submitted at Azakhel Dry Port in Nowshera over the past two years. The move follows the discovery of suspected forged documents in cases involving sales tax exemptions for industrial units in former FATA and PATA regions.
Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement Peshawar, Abdul Waheed Marwat, has directed officials to conduct the audit. The investigation concerns suspected fake pay orders submitted by importers instead of sales tax payments.
Three first information reports (FIRs) have been registered over the alleged submission of forged financial instruments. Company representatives and customs personnel have been named in the cases.
The Rs. 10 Crore Fraud Case involves allegations linked to imports of coated fabric, LED television parts, and green and black tea. However, the reported amounts vary across the individual cases.
Pakistan Customs Investigates Suspected Fake Pay Orders
According to investigation documents, importers allegedly submitted pay orders to claim sales tax exemptions available to industrial units in former FATA and PATA areas. The documents were presented as evidence of tax payments on imported goods.
One case concerns a suspected forged pay order worth Rs. 7.55 million. The instrument was reportedly submitted against sales tax on imported coated fabric.
Another case involves an alleged fake pay order worth Rs. 21.17 million. This case relates to imported LED television parts.
The investigation also covers tea consignments. Documents describe 18 allegedly forged pay orders submitted against approximately Rs. 76.38 million in sales tax.
These cases have raised concerns about the verification of financial instruments used in customs clearance. Officials are examining the documents to determine the extent of the suspected irregularities.
Banks Reportedly Confirmed Forged Instruments
Banks contacted by customs officials reportedly stated that the pay orders or cheque instruments were fake or forged. Investigators suspect the documents were presented as genuine proof of tax payments.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the accused have not been convicted. Further inquiries will determine the circumstances surrounding the suspected submissions.
The cases also name customs personnel in connection with certain transactions. Investigators will examine their potential involvement and establish responsibility based on the available evidence.
Audit to Cover Two Years of Transactions
The newly ordered audit will examine pay orders submitted at Azakhel Dry Port during the previous two years. Officials will also review related transactions to identify possible discrepancies.
The Rs. 10 Crore Fraud Case highlights the importance of verifying financial documents used in tax exemption claims. The audit is expected to help authorities assess the scale of the suspected fraud.
In other related news also read FBR Gets December Deadline for Automated Tax Monitoring
Pakistan Customs has not disclosed the final findings of the audit. The investigation will continue as officials review the records and determine the facts behind the allegations.
