Smuggling a curse for national economy: PM Imran

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has termed smuggling a curse for the national economy and said that strict action would be taken against smugglers, hoarders, and profiteers to eliminate them from society.

The statement came during a meeting today (Friday) regarding smuggling, a crackdown on hoarders and eliminating locust attacks on crops.

Interior Minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah, Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam, Planning minister Asad Umer, Minister for Economic Affairs Khusro Bakhtiar, Finance Adviser Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, PM’s Special Assistant on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority General Muhammad Afzal and senior officials attended the meeting. 

According to a press release issued in this regard, the prime minister said that smuggling and hoarding resulted in inflation that put a direct financial burden on the general public.

PM Imran emphasized the role of intelligence agencies in checking smuggling and hoarding and called for the appointment of honest and dutiful officers at checkpoints.

The premier also stressed effective coordination among the provinces and directed the concerned authorities to ensure smooth working without any administrative hurdle.

Minister for Economic Affairs Khusro Bakhtiar informed the meeting that Punjab government and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) took timely steps for wheat procurement and other provinces needed to follow suit.

Regarding the attacks of locust swarms on crops, authorities informed the meeting that purpose-built spray aircraft and machinery have already been imported from China, however, more equipment is required which was delayed due to coronavirus lockdown.

Prime Minister Imran Khan termed locusts another big problem for the country and directed the authorities for the availability of funds for its elimination.