Pakistan

PM orders enhanced surveillance at irregular border crossings to curb smuggling

Kakar also instructs authorities to take effective measures for full utilisation of country’s natural resources

APP September 05, 2023

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar chaired a meeting regarding the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad on September 5, 2023. PHOTO: APP

ISLAMABAD:

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday directed the customs authorities to establish a monitoring system at irregular border crossings to prevent smuggling in the country.

Chairing a meeting held in Islamabad, the prime minister was given a detailed briefing by the Ministry of Commerce. The meeting discussed several measures to discourage smuggling and promote trade through legal channels in the country.

PM Kakar was informed about various proposed plans to expand the country’s export volume besides possible steps to curb smuggling in the country.

Various aspects of trade under the Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement were also reviewed in the briefing. The meeting presented the recommendation to improve better scanning and monitoring capacities of the traded goods.

Separately, PM Kakar directed the authorities concerned to take effective measures for full utilisation of the country’s immense natural resources. The instructions came during a meeting to discuss the matters pertaining to the Petroleum Division.

The premier said that the development of road infrastructure was equally essential to ensure access to the natural reserves. Calling for strict measures to curb illegal mining, he instructed fulfilling all legal formalities for early appointment of the head of the Oil and Gas Development Authority.

In the briefing, the prime minister was told that the Petroleum Division was working to enhance oil and gas production besides striving to explore more natural resources.

The pipeline network was being laid to supply oil and gas from different reserves and the foreign investment in the mining sector was also on a positive trajectory.

Interim Petroleum Minister Muhammad Ali, Advisor to PM Ahad Cheema and other relevant senior officers attended the meeting.