Sindh govt to encash Rs180b guarantees submitted to SC

Sharjeel says counters at ports to ensure timely registration of imported vehicles

KARACHI:

The Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control has decided to approach the Supreme Court to retrieve the sum of Rs180 billion that the Sindh government submitted in the form of bank guarantees and pay orders at the office of the Nazir.

A high-level meeting of the Excise and Taxation Department was held with Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon in the chair. The meeting was attended by Secretary of Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Salim Rajput, DG Excise Aurangzeb Panhwar, and other officers.

In the meeting, it was decided to establish counters at ports and other relevant locations for vehicle registration and to introduce other modern procedures.

Sharjeel directed the upgradation of offices of the Excise and Taxation Department, improvement of infrastructure, and the fulfillment of logistic requirements soon. The meeting also decided to strengthen the existing checkpoint system, establish new checkpoints and mobile testing labs, and procure vehicles, wireless systems, and narcotic detectors.

Senior minister also directed the Excise and Taxation authorities to introduce a system for issuing modern-style plates while registering vehicles. The meeting also decided to implement all possible measures to accelerate anti-narcotics police operations and halt drug smuggling.

Sharjeel announced that legislation would be enacted to facilitate the transfer of imported vehicles from ports to showrooms in Sindh as well as to other provinces. Additionally, excise teams will establish counters at ports and other strategic locations to ensure the timely registration of vehicles.

He instructed the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control authorities to accelerate actions against drugs, emphasising that drug dealers are enemies of society. He stressed the importance of eradicating drugs with the assistance of the police and other relevant authorities.

War on drugs

Upon the instructions of Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, a series of crackdowns against drug dealers is on-going across the province.

The Department of Excise, Narcotics Control, and police have arrested 10 more suspects and recovered drugs while conducting operations in various areas. The Excise police arrested two drug dealers, Samir and Arif Younis, in Lyari and recovered 250 grams of crash heroin. Excise Narcotics Control arrested Muhammad Moeem with 2.2kg of hashish in the Dighri area of Mirpurkhas. In Bhan Syedabad, Mahi Otho, and Amri areas of Jamshoro district, the police arrested Gul Hasan Dipar, Ali Dost Solangi, and Ali Akbar Solangi for selling raw liquor. During the operations conducted by Sajawal police, two drug dealers were arrested, and 1kg grams of hashish were recovered. Additionally, an accused named Ashiq Ali Machhi was arrested with 520 grams of hashish. Sharjeel Memon praised the actions taken against drug dealers and stated that drug dealers are enemies of society who cannot be forgiven under any circumstances.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2024.