Deputy collectors to lead anti-smuggling units

Pakistan Customs has shifted command of its anti-smuggling units to assistant and deputy collectors, with immediate effect under a new notification, The Express Tribune reported. Each unit will now be headed by one of these officers rather than a superintendent or senior preventive officer. The change follows complaints by transporters and bus terminal operators about unauthorised checks and extortion.

The assistant or deputy collector will oversee unit conduct and operations, approve personnel deployment and checking locations, and receive immediate reports of detentions and seizures. Squad leaders will report directly to that officer, while superintendents and senior preventive officers will focus on legal work, case preparation, auctions and other duties, though they can still lead a squad when needed.