PM orders FC, Customs, others to curb smuggling

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday directed the relevant law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including the Frontier Corps, Pakistan Customs and district administrations to expedite their efforts to completely curb smuggling.

He observed that with practice of smuggling, a few influential people were benefited and stressed that with the establishment of special economic zones and industries in the border areas of the country, provision of alternate livelihood opportunities to the inhabitants should be ensured. The caretaker prime minister chaired a review meeting regarding the Afghan Transit Trade and anti-smuggling operations which was attended by Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretaries, FC inspector general, federal secretaries and other relevant senior officials, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

A report over the Afghan Transit Trade and curbing of smuggling was presented in the meeting. The meeting was also informed about the performance of Pakistan Customs, FC, district administrations and National Logistic Corporation (NLC) in the border areas.

Kakar directed for formulation of a comprehensive mechanism for provision of employment opportunities to the local people through social safety and imparting of skill sets.

He further said that the caretaker government would continue taking steps to end smuggling till the completion of its tenure and directed the NLC to complete its scanning and checking project at the Chaman border on priority basis.

Separately, in a meeting with a K-Electric delegation headed by Chief Executive Officer Moonis Abdullah Alvi, the caretaker prime minister said that the government, in collaboration with the K-Electric, would ensure an uninterrupted power supply to Karachi to meet its needs.

Kakar instructed the Ministry of Energy to address the issues confronting the company through mutual consultation. Meanwhile, chairing a review meeting on the projects relating to National High Authority (NHA), the caretaker prime minister directed completion of work at the Karachi-Chaman Highway as part of improving the road network across the country. He said the step would not only facilitate the people of Balochistan but also prove as an alternate corridor for other areas.