Curb smuggling

Recent efforts of government clamping down on hoarders and black-marketers show results

The resolve to crack down on smuggling is appreciated. The fact that this time around the same has been reiterated at the highest level by the Army chief, categorically stating that even personnel from the security forces found behind the shady transactions will be held in retribution, is a welcome step. It goes without saying that Pakistan has become a theatre of contraband. All essentials — petroleum products, oil, wheat, rice and pulses, as well as luxurious items — are smuggled and transported across the length and breadth of the country. This happens because officials and concerns from the relevant departments, supposed to curb the tendency, are found hand-in-glove with the smugglers. And in doing so obviously the security forces look the other way round, resulting in a severe macro-economic crisis for a state marred with ineffective borders on its western, eastern northern frontiers.

The explicit warning that the security personnel found involved in cross-border smuggling would face court martial and be incarcerated must graduate to erect a sound decorum of punitive action for civilians, alike. The recent efforts of the government in clamping down on hoarders and black-marketers are showing results, and the manner in which dollar’s flight has been arrested is a remarkable achievement. This new policy must walk the talk, and various organs of bureaucracy and security forces must knit together a foolproof system to free the country from this unaccounted economy, which is sinking it in the abyss of poverty and lawlessness. It is leading to an indiscriminate society and breeding societal conflicts. This is why it is necessary that such unscrupulous elements, and their official abettors, are held liable and punished, accordingly.

One of the immediate impacts of checking smuggling would be on the law and order situation, as it will go a long way in curtailing free flow of men and material. With intrusions becoming an order of the day from western borders, it’s time to put the foot down and mercilessly hold accountable all those who are behind this nefarious and illicit trade.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2023.

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