LAHORE: The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has declared 2024 as a dedicated year under theme “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”. Pakistan Customs in Lahore marked on Friday the International Customs Day at Wagah Border.

The global effort aims to spotlight the collaborative endeavors of WCO members across the world, including Pakistan.

The ceremony saw the combustion of confiscated goods worth millions of rupees. Among the incinerated items were bottles of alcohol, cigarettes, blister drugs, and makeup products.

“We should try to thwart smuggling activities, as the act of sacrificing prohibited goods underlines the dedication to upholding customs regulations and preventing illicit trade,” said Customs Chief Collector Mubasher Baig.

He revealed that fewer pollutants were released into the air during the disposal process. This conscientious approach aligns with broader efforts to address air pollution concerns. He also announced that employees involved in thefts within the Customs department must be ready for exemplary punishments in near future.

To fortify the security of goods within Customs, according to him, comprehensive measures have been implemented. The punitive actions against those engaged in theft underscore the commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency in customs operations. “We are doing foolproof arrangements to prevent theft and ensure the safeguarding of valuable goods,” he maintained.

LESCO: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) on Friday detected another 429 illegal connections.

The spokesman told reporters that the company also submitted FIR applications against 429 electricity thieves, out of which 166 FIRs have been registered and nine suspects have been arrested.

On the 139th consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, the spokesman added, large commercial consumers were also found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected. Among the seized connections were nine commercial, two industrial, two agricultural and 416 domestic. All the power pilferers were charged with a total of 298,649 units as detection bill amounting to Rs10.6 million.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024