Smugglers, hoarders to face ‘state’s wrath’

Govt to announce rewards for those providing information on smuggling, hoarding, and illegal immigration

ISLAMABAD:

Interim Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Sunday delivered a stern message to those involved in smuggling and hoarding, particularly of essential commodities like wheat, sugar, urea, oil, and dollars.

He emphasized the importance of Pakistan and its citizens, affirming that the government would not tolerate such illicit activities and would crack down on them vigorously.

The government would also announce rewards for those providing information on smuggling, hoarding, and illegal immigration.

Speaking at a press conference along with Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Bugti outlined that the crackdown against smuggling and hoarding had been in progress for the past week, resulting in significant achievements.

Thousands of tons of urea and sugar had already been seized across the country. Moreover, an operation against Hawala and Hundi (informal money transfer systems) was underway, leading to the arrest of approximately 50 individuals.

The minister revealed that as authorities intensified the operation against smuggling, some culprits began hoarding wheat and sugar to create artificial shortages and profit from higher prices later. He assured that the government had launched a comprehensive crackdown against all such elements.

He expressed deep concern about how individuals involved in smuggling and hoarding were burdening the general public, taxpayers, and damaging the country's economy while living among ordinary citizens.

Bugti encouraged law-abiding citizens to report illegal activities and assured them that the state would protect and promote legitimate businesses. Recognizing Pakistan's economic, terrorism, and law and order challenges, Bugti appealed to the public to support the government in its efforts. While acknowledging a surge in terrorist activities, he urged people not to panic, emphasizing that the most significant challenge at present was economic.

Regarding smuggling and hoarding of dollars, Bugti warned that intelligence agencies were actively pursuing those involved, and the state would not hesitate to take necessary measures to address this issue.

He announced the establishment of toll-free numbers for reporting information related to smuggling and hoarding, one at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and another at the Interior Ministry.

During the question-and-answer session, Bugti reiterated that no one, regardless of their stature, would be spared if found guilty of smuggling or hoarding. He emphasized the interim government's commitment to fighting illegal practices relentlessly until its tenure ends.

He provided statistics regarding the FIA's efforts against Hundi and Hawala, including 48 raids and 48 FIRs filed, leading to the arrest of 59 individuals involved in these illegal activities. The minister pledged to share the names and pictorial evidence of those arrested so that the public could identify those working against the state.

Bugti emphasized that smugglers and hoarders posed a more significant threat to the nation than terrorists, and their actions harmed the country on multiple levels.

He assured that any law enforcement personnel found involved in illegal activities would face strict action. Commenting on a recent incident in Chitral, he praised the role of locals and underscored the government's commitment to protecting every inch of the country.

Regarding the involvement of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or any other terrorist outfit, Bugti stated that they were all considered terrorists, and stern action would be taken against them.