The issue of unchecked smuggling at Pakistan’s airports has once again come under the spotlight following the suspension of an upright customs official. According to reliable sources, Additional Collector at Lahore Airport, Ali Akbar Zaidi widely known for his honesty and integrity has been suspended for 120 days, raising serious concerns about the state of anti-smuggling efforts in the country.
Zaidi had recently made headlines for seizing a large consignment of cancer treatment medicines worth crores of rupees from a passenger arriving from Turkey. This passenger, identified as Abid Hussain, is reportedly a close relative of a high-ranking Pakistani politician and is alleged to be involved in a smuggling network that enjoys special treatment and influence. Reports suggest that he routinely lands at airports in Multan, Faisalabad, and Lahore, always receiving VIP protocol and never facing scrutiny, despite his illicit activities.
Customs sources allege that Abid Hussain maintains his influence by regularly offering expensive gifts, worth millions of rupees, to certain senior customs officers. Despite clear evidence and the risks involved, Ali Akbar Zaidi pursued action against him and confiscated the illegal medicines. However, his determination to uphold the law seemingly provoked powerful elements within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), who were reportedly displeased with his bold actions. The official reason provided for his suspension is linked to an inquiry against a customs superintendent—a charge many view as a pretext. Notably, this inquiry was actually initiated by Zaidi himself under the instructions of Collector Airport Tayyaba Kayani, leading many to question the motive and timing of the suspension.
Following the suspension, a wave of discontent spread among customs officers. Many have expressed their outrage, warning that such actions against an honest officer send a dangerous message to others who may be deterred from acting against smugglers in the future. The fear is that corrupt networks will be emboldened if officers like Zaidi are punished instead of protected. In response to growing criticism, Collector Tayyaba Kayani has publicly distanced herself from the suspension, claiming she played no role in the decision. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked a wider debate on the integrity of the country’s customs enforcement and the undue influence of political figures over state institutions.
This episode highlights the systemic challenges facing anti-smuggling operations in Pakistan, where political interference and internal corruption can undermine the efforts of honest officers. It also raises important questions about accountability and the protection of whistleblowers within the bureaucracy. Without institutional support for officers who take risks to enforce the law, the smuggling mafia will likely continue to thrive, exploiting weaknesses and manipulating relationships to operate with impunity.
The suspension of Ali Akbar Zaidi, rather than discouraging wrongdoing, risks silencing the very people who strive to uphold justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder that combating smuggling in Pakistan requires not only technical vigilance but also moral courage—and the will of institutions to support those who possess it.
