PM hails anti-smuggling drive as crackdown on petroleum lifts revenue by 82%

Directs FBR to intensify action against tax evasion and illicit trade

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded recent anti-smuggling efforts by the Pakistan Customs, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported that curbs on smuggling of petroleum products had driven an 82 per cent rise in revenue during the first five months of the current fiscal year, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

The prime minister’s remarks came during a weekly FBR performance review meeting, where he praised enforcement measures and directed authorities to intensify action against tax evasion and illicit trade, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Officials briefed the meeting on progress in curbing smuggling and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. The premier noted that smuggling was causing billions of rupees in losses to the national exchequer and said decisive action remained essential to protect the country’s economic interests.

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He commended Pakistan Customs for successful operations, stating that effective enforcement had significantly reduced smuggling across key sectors. The prime minister described the results as encouraging, adding that commodities previously smuggled were now being imported legally and integrated into the formal economy.

PM Shehbaz instructed authorities to accelerate efforts against tax evasion and reiterated that no leniency would be shown in cases of smuggling or tax fraud. He also directed provincial governments to extend full cooperation to the FBR, particularly in legal action targeting illegal fuel stations.

The meeting, attended by federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the FBR chairman and senior officials, was informed that an integrated customs enforcement system is now operational nationwide to prevent smuggling.

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Officials said petrol pumps across the country have been registered through the Rahguzar App, while legal action against illegal outlets is under way. District administrations have been empowered under the new Petroleum Act to seize illegal machinery, used at the unauthorised fuel stations, and a GPS-based tracking system has been enforced for petroleum transportation.

According to the briefing, measures taken between July and November 2025, also curbed smuggling of cigarettes, tyres, garments, electronics and other goods.