Islamabad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to intensify their efforts against a range of illegal activities to achieve targeted outcomes promptly.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister chaired a comprehensive meeting in Islamabad, focusing on ‘Measures against Spectrum of Illegal Activities and Criminal Mafias.’ The session culminated in the approval of collaborative agreements between federal and provincial governments to combat power theft, including the modernization of Power Distribution Companies, installation of Smart meters, and enforcement against corruption within their ranks.
The gathering also highlighted a commitment to providing immediate relief to the populace and to tackle economic disruptors like smugglers, hoarders, and market manipulators. Detailed briefings were given on actions taken against criminal organizations, including efforts in curbing smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft, and the repatriation of illegal foreigners, with participants recognizing the significant economic and societal benefits of these actions.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the need for a joint effort among federal and provincial governments, as well as all relevant institutions, to address revenue, electricity, and gas sector leakages, which have adversely affected the nation’s economy. He stated that successful recovery operations have already yielded significant results, demonstrating the possibility of overcoming such challenges.
In light of the economy’s burden due to transmission losses, electricity theft, and gas pilferage, Sharif discussed the deficiencies in the taxation system and the billions in revenue outside the tax net. He underscored the potential for financial autonomy from foreign loans by retrieving even a fraction of the outstanding tax cases.
The government has resolved to reform the system, ensuring no political or bureaucratic influence impedes this process, with plans for the Federal Board of Revenue to undergo full digitalization. Additionally, the Prime Minister called for merit-based appointments of tribunal heads to guide the country in a positive direction.
Regarding security, Sharif has instructed the Interior Minister to maintain vigilance and coordinate with provincial bodies to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens.
The meeting was attended by members of the Federal Cabinet, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, provincial chief ministers, and senior government officials, where General Munir reassured the military’s unwavering support for the government’s economic initiatives.