Govt orders crackdown on money launderers

Interior minister visits FIA Karachi Zone, warns against hawala-hundi business

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday ordered a comprehensive crackdown against the money-laundering mafia, directing authorities to take firm action against major offenders.

Naqvi issued the directives during a visit to the FIA Karachi Zone, where he chaired a special meeting and reviewed the performance of the Karachi and South zones.

The interior minister ordered a comprehensive crackdown against the money-laundering mafia and directed that major money launderers be dealt with firmly.

He instructed the authorities to fully expose the money trail of those involved in money laundering, warning that the hawala-hundi business would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that visible, indiscriminate action must be ensured.

The interior minister also ordered effective action against agent mafias involved in human smuggling. He said elements who deceive innocent people with false promises of employment abroad deserve no leniency. "Action against the agents' mafia must be taken without any pressure."

Naqvi further stated that those involved in the business of counterfeit medicines were playing with human lives and that such elements engaged in this heinous trade must be brought to justice.

He said the shortage of human resources in the FIA Karachi Zone would be addressed on a priority basis. FIA officers will be provided with all necessary resources; however, they must enhance the institution's reputation through their performance, he added.

The participants of the meeting were told that over the past four months, 20 human smugglers had been arrested and non-custom-paid goods and drugs worth Rs140 million seized.

A Facilitation Center has also been established at Karachi Airport for the convenience of passengers.

The minister sought performance reports from in-charge officers regarding their respective circles and directed them to work with greater diligence.

The FIA Karachi Zone director briefed the interior minister. The meeting was attended by FIA South Additional Director General Mujahid Akbar Khan and other senior officials.