PM orders stepping up anti-smuggling drive in country

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while reiterating the resolve to purge the country of smuggling, directed the authorities concerned on Friday to accelerate the drive against the menace across country.

While chairing a meeting on ant-smuggling measures, he paid tribute to Army Chief General Asim Munir over his cooperation with the government in its endeavour against smuggling. A report, prepared by the investigation committee, headed by AD Khawaja, was also presented in the meeting. The PM lauded the committee for identifying elements involved in misuse of Afghan Transit Trade for smuggling and the officers facilitating them.

The prime minister was told that a list of smugglers, hoarders and their facilitating officers had been forwarded to the law-enforcement agencies and provincial governments. He ordered for removing the identified officers from their posts and initiating disciplinary proceedings against them. PM Shehbaz also asked the law-enforcing agencies (LEAs) and intelligence agencies to cooperate with each other to curb smuggling.

The prime minister ordered to ensure complete elimination of sugar smuggling and immediate release of funds to examine prevalence of drugs consumption at the national level.

The meeting was told that the LEAs raided a godown with smuggled goods a couple of days ago in Mastung and confiscated goods worth over Rs10 billion. The PM appreciated the LEAs over their efforts to curb smuggling.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday.

The prime minister’s call was centered on his admiration for the strong resolve and impeccable efficiency with which the UAE leadership had confronted the challenges that had emerged from the recent rains in the country.

The President of UAE reciprocated the warm sentiments for the people affected from rains and flooding in Pakistan.