Gold, Silver Worth Rs880 Million Seized at Islamabad Airport

In a significant anti‑smuggling operation at Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan Customs officials have seized gold and silver valued at over Rs880 million from two passengers arriving on a flight from Dubai. The seizure — one of the largest in recent months at any airport in the country — underlines both the growing sophistication of smuggling attempts and the enhanced vigilance of customs authorities at major entry points.

Major Seizure at Arrival Terminal

On Saturday morning, authorities at the international arrivals lounge intercepted two passengers whose luggage flagged during routine scanning procedures. Acting on suspicion, customs officials conducted detailed checks of the baggage, discovering precious metals concealed in secret compartments.

Abdul Rehman was found carrying 14 kilograms of gold and 14 kilograms of silver, along with several high‑end mobile phones hidden within his luggage.

Bilal Ashraf was in possession of 6 kilograms each of gold and silver.

In total, 20 kilograms of gold and 20 kilograms of silver were recovered. At current market valuations, the gold component is estimated at around Rs870 million, with the silver valued at approximately Rs13.4 million, bringing the combined haul to over Rs880 million.

Following the discovery, both individuals were taken into custody and shifted to the Customs Cell in G‑9, Islamabad for further interrogation. Legal proceedings are expected to be initiated as the investigation continues.

Smuggling Trends and Customs Response

This high‑value seizure is part of a broader pattern of similar incidents at Pakistan’s international airports. In recent months, customs authorities have stepped up efforts to curb the illegal movement of precious metals and other smuggled goods:

In December 2025, customs at various airports confiscated over Rs306 million worth of gold and silver during the first five months of the fiscal year, reflecting a significant rise in attempted smuggling cases.

At Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, customs officials in late January 2026 seized Rs58 million worth of gold jewellery and luxury goods from a passenger arriving from the United States.

Separately, officers foiled multiple gold smuggling attempts at Karachi’s international departures terminal in early 2026, recovering STB gold bars and undeclared foreign currency, underscoring the varied methods used by smugglers to evade detection.

These repeated events point to persistent smuggling networks targeting Pakistan’s airports as entry points for high‑value contraband. Precious metals like gold and silver are particularly attractive to smugglers due to their high value‑to‑weight ratio and growing demand both domestically and abroad. Customs agencies have responded by increasing surveillance, deploying modern scanning technologies, and enhancing profiling methods at arrival lounges.

The Smuggling Challenge in Context

Smuggling of precious metals in Pakistan is not a new phenomenon, but recent developments suggest an uptick in both volume and sophistication:

The rapid increase in global silver prices has incentivised more attempts to bring undeclared silver into the country, according to customs officials.

Across international airports nationwide, authorities have reported notable seizures, including hundreds of kilograms of precious metals and other contraband over the past year.

Experts suggest that beyond economic incentives, smugglers often exploit gaps in enforcement and varying customs regulations at different airports. In response, Pakistan Customs has been intensifying intelligence‑led operations, risk profiling, and advanced baggage screening across critical points of entry. These measures are aimed at deterring organised smuggling syndicates and safeguarding the country’s revenue and economic integrity.

Legal and Economic Implications

The seizure at Islamabad airport carries serious legal consequences for the individuals involved. Under Pakistan’s Customs Act, smuggling offences can lead to criminal charges, significant fines, and imprisonment. Customs authorities have emphasised that all items recovered will remain in official custody pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

Economically, large‑scale seizures of precious metals like this also highlight an ongoing challenge for national revenue authorities. Smuggled gold and silver not only deprive the state of customs duties and taxes but can also distort local markets for these commodities. With bullion and precious metal prices sensitive to both international and domestic demand, preventing illegal inflows is critical to maintain market stability and protect legitimate traders.

Looking Ahead

The Rs880 million seizure at Islamabad International Airport is a stark reminder of the evolving dynamics of smuggling in Pakistan. As customs authorities continue to deploy improved technologies and collaborate with international law enforcement and intelligence agencies, the focus remains on stopping contraband before it enters the economy.

Such enforcement actions also serve as a warning to potential smugglers that Pakistan’s borders are under heightened scrutiny, particularly at international arrival terminals. With ongoing vigilance and legal accountability, authorities hope to stem the tide of smuggled precious metals and ensure adherence to customs laws.

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