PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Intensification of Anti-Smuggling Efforts

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to accelerate measures against tax evasion and smuggling, emphasizing that no leniency will be shown in this regard. He chaired a weekly review meeting on the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, during the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of FBR’s anti-smuggling initiatives and other key matters. He appreciated the successful actions taken by FBR and Pakistan Customs, noting that effective enforcement has led to a significant reduction in smuggling.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that every year the nation suffers financial losses worth billions of rupees due to smuggling. He added that curbing this issue has allowed several commodities to be imported legally, thereby becoming part of the documented economy. The Prime Minister instructed provincial governments to extend full cooperation with FBR in legal action against illegal petrol pumps.

The meeting was informed that an integrated customs system has been implemented nationwide to prevent smuggling. It was also shared that petrol pumps across the country have been registered through the Rahguzar App, while legal action against illegal outlets is ongoing.

The meeting further revealed that district administrations have been empowered under the new Petroleum Act to confiscate illegal machinery. Additionally, a GPS tracking system for the transportation of petroleum products has been made operational. It was told that from July to November 2025, revenue witnessed an eighty-two percent increase compared to the same period last year due to effective measures against the smuggling of petroleum products.

Moreover, actions against the illegal smuggling of cigarettes, tyres, garments, electronics, and other goods over the past five months have also led to a significant rise in revenue.