Customs Fire Incident Called “Worst Example of Corruption”; Illegal Checkposts and Extortion Condemned: PkMAP

Quetta (News Desk) — The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party has strongly criticized recent incidents of fire in goods held in customs custody, terming them a “serious suspicion and the worst example of corruption,” while also calling for an end to alleged extortion at illegal checkpoints.

In a central press release, the party referred to incidents at Lak Pass in Quetta and another reported case in Dera Ismail Khan, where goods under the custody of customs authorities were destroyed in fire. The party questioned how goods worth billions of rupees could be reduced to ashes within hours while under official control, suggesting that such incidents raise concerns of financial irregularities and attempts to conceal facts.

The statement said that no transparent inquiry or accountability was ensured after the Lak Pass incident, adding that the same pattern is likely to be repeated in the Dera Ismail Khan case. The party demanded high-level, impartial, and judicially supervised investigations into both incidents.

The party also strongly condemned what it described as harassment of traders, transporters, and passengers at various “illegal checkpoints” set up by customs and excise authorities on highways. It alleged that vehicles are being unnecessarily stopped, searched, and damaged, while fuel is reportedly being extracted from vehicles and complaints of extortion are frequently emerging.

According to the statement, trucks and passenger vehicles are often held for hours at multiple locations including Manai Khawa and other points, disrupting business activities and causing financial losses to traders.

The party further alleged that misuse of authority under the cover of law is undermining public trust in state institutions, while the government remains silent despite being aware of the situation.

It also stated that while traders suffer losses, the national exchequer is also being harmed, benefiting corrupt elements within the system. The party warned that such practices are eroding institutional credibility and public confidence.

The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party demanded immediate compensation for affected traders and urged both federal and provincial governments to ensure free movement of goods across the country after border entry points, with only lawful checks at designated entry locations.

It further called for the complete elimination of what it described as illegal and arbitrary checking practices, terming them a source of corruption and exploitation, and emphasized that it is the responsibility of the government to end such practices under lawful regulatory frameworks.