The government has intensified the crackdown on smuggling and illicit trade after a report revealed that the economy was bleeding due to black transactions. The prime minister also admitted that bureaucrats and politicians are involved in these activities, causing losses worth billions to the state coffers.
A high-level investigation into cross-border drug smuggling revealed that a former policeman owned properties worth billions of rupees from smuggling drugs. The prime minister said the government has prepared a list of such individuals and stern action will be taken against them. He also revealed that high-ranking officials were involved in smuggling Iranian oil and a network of 20,000 vehicles were used, suggesting that those responsible for curbing such activities are complacent.
A detailed report by the Intelligence Bureau on smuggling, tax evasion, drug trade and illegal currency revealed that these mafias are hemorrhaging the country’s economy. This has been declared “economic terrorism” which is deeply affecting the nation. The illegal supply of Iranian petrol is alone causing a colossal loss of Rs225 billion to the national exchequer. Smuggled Iranian oil was previously sold at roadside outlets but has made its way to regular petrol pumps as well.
The report identified transporters and smugglers involved in smuggling oil and nearly a thousand illegal petrol pumps were found selling smuggled petrol. It is imperative that action is taken against them but even officials, who issue tokens to these vehicles, and those patronizing them should also be identified. It is necessary to bring those at the top of the hierarchy to the book.
Another major reason for the rampant smuggling is the misuse of the Afghan transit trade. Goods that come into Pakistan never reach their final destination in Afghanistan and are sold in markets across the country. The government should revisit the Afghan transit trade agreement. Afghanistan’s annual trade volume gap of $4 billion is met through the drug trade and currency smuggling. Even tea, tobacco, tyres, wheat, sugar, fertilizer and items are being smuggled to the neighbouring country.
Pakistan needs to stop the black economy if it wants to move forward. It is necessary that action should be taken against the mafias involved in illicit businesses. The government needs to regulate these sectors so that any discrepancies facilitating such activities are rectified.
