Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a directive for heightened anti-smuggling efforts across Pakistan, emphasizing the significant progress already made in curbing this illicit activity, which has been detrimental to the national economy.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during a high-level meeting in Islamabad today, the Prime Minister commended the reduction in smuggling but stressed the need for continued vigilance and enhanced measures. He outlined the importance of using modern technology to monitor and combat smuggling activities effectively.
The meeting convened top officials from the Federal Board of Revenue, the Ministry of Interior, and other relevant agencies, who were tasked with strengthening coordination to further suppress the smuggling of critical goods such as petroleum products, cigarettes, mobile phones, and more. A notable achievement highlighted during the meeting was the establishment of fifty-four joint check posts and the implementation of stringent controls over vehicles used in smuggling, including those in the Afghan Transit Trade.
Prime Minister Sharif also called for legal actions against individuals and their facilitators involved in smuggling activities, including the confiscation of vehicles used in these operations. Additionally, he underscored the necessity of creating better employment opportunities in border areas to provide alternatives to those engaged in smuggling.
The meeting reviewed several successful initiatives, such as the launch of a web portal to combat the smuggling of sugar and urea, and the near completion of a system for identifying non-custom paid vehicles. It was reported that efforts have already led to a significant reduction in smuggling activities: petroleum product smuggling has been halved and sugar smuggling reduced by 80%.
Over the fiscal year 2023-24, goods worth Rs106 billion were confiscated, significantly impacting the reduction of hoarding practices associated with smuggling. Actions were also taken against officers found complicit in these smuggling operations.
The ongoing identification and prosecution of smugglers, facilitated by collaboration with NADRA, Excise, and other relevant departments, are part of a comprehensive campaign to eliminate smuggling and protect Pakistan’s economic interests.