PM directs to accelerate efforts against smuggling

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing his satisfaction with the reduction in smuggling, has pledged not to let those involved in smuggling undermine the national economy.

Presiding over a high-level review meeting in Islamabad today focused on combating smuggling, he instructed relevant authorities to intensify their efforts to address the issue across the country.Cotton growers advised to ensure special arrangements during rains

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is leveraging modern technology to combat smuggling. He noted that the decrease in smuggling is a positive sign resulting from effective operations by the concerned authorities.

Shehbaz Sharif stated that legal action should be taken against both the individuals and their accomplices involved in smuggling, including transporters, following the seizure of vehicles used in smuggling activities. He directed the Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Interior, and other relevant agencies to enhance their coordination in this effort.
He also asked the authorities to present a detailed plan to improve employment opportunities in border areas.

The meeting was informed that a comprehensive campaign is ongoing under the Ministry of Interior to address the smuggling of petroleum products, cigarettes, mobile phones, gold, tea, clothing, commodities, vehicle tires, and spare parts.

It was reported that a web portal has been launched to prevent the smuggling of sugar and urea, and the development of a mechanism for identifying non-custom-paid vehicles and their mapping is nearing completion.

The meeting was updated that, following the Prime Minister’s directives, fifty-four joint check posts have been set up to combat smuggling.
Additionally, 212 vehicles from the Afghan Transit Trade fleet, suspected of being used for smuggling, have been identified and banned. A bank guarantee has been mandated in place of insurance guarantee for Afghan Transit Trade.

The meeting also highlighted a significant overall decline in the smuggling of essential goods, with smuggling of petroleum products reduced by fifty percent and sugar by eighty percent.

During the fiscal year 2023-24, goods worth Rs106 billion were seized, and the anti-smuggling drive also contributed to a reduction in hoarding practices.

Participants were also briefed on actions taken against officers involved in smuggling activities.