Pakistan vows to stem smuggling as economy feels the pinch

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The government has stepped up its anti-smuggling drive, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif warning that smuggling is harming the economy, as authorities seize billions of rupees worth of contraband.

“We will not allow those involved in smuggling to harm Pakistan’s economy,” Sharif told a review meeting on the anti-smuggling drive on Wednesday.

“Ensure the use of modern technology to prevent smuggling. Vehicles used in smuggling should be seized, and legal action should be taken against those involved, including their facilitators and transporters.”

A statement for his office said the Prime Minister also called for enhanced cooperation among institutions to eradicate smuggling completely.

“It is encouraging that there has been a reduction in smuggling due to the actions taken by relevant agencies. The FBR, Ministry of Interior, and other institutions should enhance their cooperation,” Sharif said.

“A comprehensive strategy should be developed and presented to provide better employment opportunities to people in border areas. All institutions should intensify their efforts to completely eradicate the scourge of smuggling from the country.”

A nationwide campaign to curb smuggling is underway, with measures taken against the smuggling of various goods, including petroleum products, cigarettes, and mobile phones.

A web portal has also been launched to prevent urea and sugar smuggling.

According to officials, 54 joint checkpoints have been established, and a system to identify non-customs paid vehicles is in its final stages. Draft legislation for the Pakistan Land Port Authority is also nearing completion.

The anti-smuggling drive has yielded significant results, with a 50% decrease in petroleum product smuggling and an 80% reduction in sugar smuggling. Goods worth Rs106 billion were seized in the fiscal year 2023-24.

The meeting was also informed in detail about actions taken against officers involved in collusion with smugglers. “The process of identifying elements, transporters, and their facilitators involved in smuggling is ongoing rapidly,” the statement said. “In this regard, assistance is being taken from the databases of NADRA, Excise, and other institutions.”