Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed concerned officials to speed up the nationwide campaign to root out smuggling from Pakistan, adding that in this respect no lethargic attitude will be accepted, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad regarding the prevention of smuggling in the country. Federal ministers Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Rana Tanweer Hussain, Dr Musaddik Malik, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Chairman of Federal Board of Revenue, attorney general, personnel of law enforcement agencies and senior officers attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterating the resolve to purge the country of smuggling directed the authorities concerned to accelerate the countrywide drive against the menace. The prime minister, chairing a high-level meeting to curb smuggling, paid tribute to Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir for his full cooperation with the government in its endeavour against smuggling.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed in detail about smuggling, misuse of Afghan transit trade, drugs, food items including sugar, wheat, fertilizers, petroleum products, illegal weapons. During the meeting, the investigation committee report regarding the misuse of Afghan transit trade was also presented by AD Khawaja. On the occasion, the Prime Minister praised the report of the committee headed by AD Khawaja which identified the elements involved in smuggling and their facilitators. The Prime Minister was told that a list of smugglers, hoarders and their facilitators has been prepared and handed over to the law enforcement agencies and provinces.

The Prime Minister directed the immediate removal of the identified corrupt officers and officials. He directed all law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies to cooperate with each other to prevent trafficking. The Prime Minister directed that exemplary punishment should be handed over to smugglers and people involved in drug business. Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to make necessary legislation in this regard. Shehbaz said those who loot the money of the nation and their facilitators will definitely not be given any concession. In order to prevent smuggling in the border areas, the youth should be provided with alternative employment opportunities and a favourable environment for business. To prevent the sale and smuggling of Afghan transit trade items in Pakistan, their monitoring should be accelerated and effective.

The Prime Minister also directed customs authorities to conduct a third-party audit of the system monitoring Afghan transit trade. The Prime Minister issued instructions to immediately release funds for a survey to check the use of drugs at the national level. The Prime Minister also issued instructions to completely stop the smuggling of sugar.

Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered to ensure complete elimination of sugar smuggling and immediate release of funds to examine the prevalence of drugs consumption at the national level. The meeting was apprised of the smuggling, misuse of Afghan Transit Trade, drugs, besides sugar, wheat, fertilizer, petroleum products and illegal weapons. It was told that, after consultation with the stakeholders, a national anti-smuggling strategy was in final stage which would be presented for approval.