Sharjeel addresses critical issues of drug control, tax collection

Sindh's Minister for Transport, Mass Transit and Excise and Taxation Sharjeel Inam Memon chaired a meeting of the Excise Department on Friday and addressed critical issues concerning drug control and tax collection in the province.

During the high-level meeting, the minister directed immediate action to halt the circulation of various narcotics including crystal, heroin, ice, hashish, and raw alcohol.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Excise Atifur Rehman, DG Excise Aurangzeb Panhour, divisional directors, and other key stakeholders. It emphasised the department's role in meeting the tax collection targets set by the Sindh government.

"The goals set by the government for the excise department must be met," stated Sharjeel, stressing the importance of adherence to government directives.

"Zero tolerance policy against all kinds of drugs must be strictly enforced," added the minister.

Officers were also instructed to provide daily performance reports.

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"Every officer is expected to fulfil their duties diligently to meet the set objectives," said the E&T minister stressing accountability across departmental staff.

The minister called on Excise Department directors to personally supervise field operations to meet targets. Additionally, provincial officials were instructed to submit performance reports of officers in writing to the secretary excise.

The meeting also drew attention towards the importance of maintaining departmental standards - warning of disciplinary action against employees found working without proper uniforms was also stated.

The minister assured incentives for diligent officers while underscoring consequences for negligence, particularly in cases involving human casualties due to illicit alcohol.

Furthermore, Sharjeel emphasised the need to educate the public about tax collection initiatives, underscoring transparency and public awareness in governmental operations.

Earlier, Sharjeel had instructed E&T authorities to make the tax recovery system efficient and orderly. He has called an important meeting of E&T to make important decisions.