Rs. 10 Billion Smuggled Goods Seized in Balochistan Raid
Staff Report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif was informed on Friday that smuggled goods worth over Rs. 10 billion have been seized during an anti-smuggling operation in Balochistan.
Premier has issued directives to intensify the nationwide campaign aimed at putting an end to trafficking in Pakistan. He expressed a firm resolve to eradicate smuggling from the country.
The meeting was briefed on the progress of the National Anti-Trafficking Strategy, nearing finalization for approval, and acknowledged recent successful operations against smuggling, notably the seizure of over 10 billion rupees worth of contraband goods in Mastung.
During a meeting, the Prime Minister commended the collaborative efforts of Army Chief General Syed Asim and Munir for their unwavering cooperation with the government in combating smuggling.
The meeting included a presentation of the report by the investigation committee chaired by AD Khawaja, focusing on Afghan transit trade.
The Prime Minister lauded the committee’s report for its thorough examination of illegal practices within the Afghan transit trade, identifying smugglers and their accomplices.
Reports indicated the compilation of a list featuring smugglers, hoarders, and their associates, which has been furnished to law enforcement agencies and provincial authorities.
Prompt action was ordered by the Prime Minister for the removal of implicated officials and the initiation of departmental proceedings.
Directives were issued to all law enforcement and intelligence agencies to enhance collaboration to prevent trafficking effectively.
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for stringent punishment for smugglers and individuals involved in the drug trade, directing the Ministry of Law and Justice to enact appropriate legislation promptly.
The Prime Minister asserted that no leniency would be shown to those plundering national resources and their associates.Pakistan Suffers $35m Monthly Loss Due To Oil Smuggling: OCAC
In efforts to curb smuggling along border regions, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of providing alternative employment opportunities for youth and fostering a conducive business environment.
Enhanced monitoring of Afghan transit trade items within Pakistan to deter their sale and smuggling was highlighted as a priority.
Instructions were given to conduct a third-party audit of the system monitoring Afghan transit trade by customs authorities.
The prime minister ordered an immediate allocation of funds for a nationwide survey to assess drug usage.
Additionally, measures were taken to halt sugar smuggling entirely.
A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif convened in Islamabad, extensively discussed strategies to combat smuggling across various sectors including Afghan transit trade, drugs, and essential commodities such as sugar, wheat, fertilizers, and petroleum products.
The meeting was briefed on the progress of the National Anti-Trafficking Strategy, nearing finalization for approval, and acknowledged recent successful operations against smuggling, notably the seizure of over 10 billion rupees worth of contraband goods in Mastung.
The Prime Minister commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies and urged them to intensify their anti-trafficking endeavors.
Federal Ministers, including Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Dr. Mossadegh Malik, Azam Nazir Tarar, along with Chairman FBR, Attorney General, and officials from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, attended the meeting.
