Hopeful as Pres. implements Parliament submissions: Nazim

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim has expressed gratitude as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has begun implementing recommendations from the Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) regarding the cigarette smuggling case.

Two Deputy Commissioners of Customs, namely Mahmood Riyaz and Abdullah Waheed have been dismissed from their positions today regarding the case of smuggling cigarettes into the country. 

President Muizzu has announced via social media the dismissal of the two Deputy Commissioners, following recommendations from Parliament based on findings by the 241 Committee. The dismissals relate to investigations into cigarette smuggling aboard a fuel tanker operated by The Hawks Pvt Ltd, and unauthorized removal of cigarettes from a bonded warehouse. 

Nazim spoke during today's sitting with the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee's Sub Committee regarding the investigation of Fenaka Corporation's corruption. He stated that the President taking action in line with the recommendations of the 241 Committee is the President's way of respecting the Parliament's dignity and authority.

"We are seeing the implementation of the 241 Committee's report that was passed by Parliament and sent two days ago. The report contains a confidential chapter, which is Chapter Six. We sent it directly to the President. The President has dismissed the Customs individuals as per the law," said Nazim.

It is a piece of joyful news for the Parliament, as was said by Nazim. He also said that it is now apparent that the President will implement decisions made by Parliament committees in such cases.

Mahmood, who has served at Customs for 30 years, was appointed as a Deputy Commissioner in 2020 during the previous administration. Abdullah Waheed was appointed as a Deputy Commissioner in January 2024 by the current government.