Prime Minister Imran Khan has termed smuggling a curse for the Pakistani economy and said that no compromise will be made for those involved in what he termed as “a menace”.
Smuggling, PM Imran said, posed a grave danger to the nation’s food security, leading to stress and challenges for the common people when a shortage of basic necessities arises.
He was chairing a meeting on checking smuggling and prices of essential commodities in Islamabad. The meeting was briefed on the measures so far taken by the various departments to deal with the menace of smuggling since the promulgation of the ordinance to curb it.
The Prime Minister said smuggling is a nuisance for the country’s economy. He said smuggling threatens food security and causes irreparable loss to the country’s industrial sector.
“The menace also causes irreparable harm to the country’s industries,” he said.
Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) briefed the meeting on the measures taken since the introduction of the ordinance against smuggling.
He also directed relevant institutions that were working on controlling smuggling and taking action against those involved.
During the meeting, the provincial chief secretaries apprised the premier on wheat production, harvesting, and the overall situation and briefed him about the steps taken to bring down the prices.
Reports compiled by different provincial governments on action against hoarding and illegal profiteering were also presented to PM Imran. In addition, a detailed briefing was given to him on the provision of basic commodities to the public at controlled rates in the utility stores across Pakistan.
Regarding the steps taken to bring prices of essential commodities down, the Prime Minister said the government’s objective to reduce the prices of petroleum products was to provide relief to people. He said the provision of the benefit of reduction in fuel prices to people should be ensured. He said provincial governments should play an active role in this regard.
The Minister of Industries and Production Hammad Azhar also briefed the prime minister on a possible reduction in the prices of cement, steel, and cooking oil.
All hail Admiral-General Haffaz ImranKhan?
Sir you are criticizing whom?. You are no longer in Opposition. You have full power behind you. Please tell us what you are doing to stop this Smuggling.
Either improve the governance or else leave the government. Thanks.
Every body knows that. What we want to Know is, what has your govt done about it?