No compromise on anti-smuggling operation: PM

islamabad — Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday expressed the resolve that the government would neither show any laxity nor make any compromise in its ongoing operation against smuggling owing to its adverse impacts on economy.

Chairing a meeting to discuss anti-smuggling measures and prices of daily-use items, the prime minister said that smuggling caused food insecurity in the country besides inflicting irreparable loss to the local industry, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The meeting was told that an ordinance had been promulgated to further strengthen the existing anti-smuggling laws and strictly handle the elements involved in smuggling of currency and essential items.

Moreover, the law enforcement agencies have been empowered to act against smugglers at airports as well as within five kilometres of the borders.

The LEAs have also been given the powers to take such people into custody. The ordinance would ensure a better coordination among the district administration, custom officials, secret agencies and LEAs.

The chairman FBR and provincial chief secretaries apprised the meeting about the measures taken so far for enforcement of anti-smuggling ordinance.

The prime minister directed all departments concerned to submit a fortnightly report on the actions against smuggling and the people involved in the offense.

The provincial chief secretaries briefed the prime minister about the wheat crop harvesting, prices of essential commodities and the steps taken to reduce their rates. —