AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, In a decisive move to curb smuggling activities across Pakistan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives for an intensified enforcement of the national anti-smuggling campaign. The directives were given during a high-level meeting held today in Islamabad, focusing on the prevention of smuggling, particularly of Afghan transit trade goods.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of effective monitoring to prevent the smuggling of Afghan transit trade items and called for a third-party audit of the system currently overseeing this trade. He praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and intelligence agencies thus far and urged continued cooperation to tackle smuggling and drug trafficking effectively.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also addressed the economic dimensions of smuggling. He stressed the importance of creating employment opportunities and fostering a favorable business environment, particularly for youth in border areas, to reduce the allure of smuggling activities. Additionally, he directed the immediate release of funds for conducting a national survey on drug use, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
Significantly, the Prime Minister ordered a complete cessation of sugar smuggling and requested the Ministry of Law and Justice to expedite the enactment of necessary legal frameworks to support these measures. The session also highlighted the ongoing efforts to finalize the National Anti-Trafficking Strategy, which will soon be presented for approval after consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with the Prime Minister acknowledging the support of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir in the government’s campaign against smuggling. A detailed report was presented during the meeting, identifying key smugglers, hoarders, and their facilitators, along with a comprehensive list that has been distributed to law enforcement agencies and relevant provincial authorities for action.