The smuggling of essential commodities out of Pakistan is not only a threat to the nation’s food security, but also a matter of national security, according to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan. Speaking at the third meeting of the committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to prevent the smuggling of wheat, sugar, fertilizer, and other essential items, the Interior Minister said that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent shortages of these essential commodities in the country.
In attendance at the meeting were several high-level government officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Industries Minister Makhdoom Murtaza Mehmood, Special Assistant for Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Interior Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza, and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Asif Ahmed.
The meeting was focused on finding ways to counter the smuggling of essential commodities and approved the establishment of joint check posts comprising police, customs, and other law enforcement agencies. The Interior Secretary briefed the participants on the progress made on the decisions taken during previous meetings, including the establishment of a central data cell in the Federal Board of Revenue regarding the smuggling of essential commodities. He also stated that joint patrolling would begin soon and that a survey had been initiated to prevent unnecessary supply in certain districts.
Amendments were also being made to the laws in order to effectively prevent the smuggling of essential goods, the forum was told. Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and the need for the government to take tough decisions to prevent it.
Overall, the meeting was successful in highlighting the importance of preventing the smuggling of essential commodities out of Pakistan. With the establishment of joint check posts and other measures, the government is taking important steps to ensure that the country’s food security is not compromised and that national security is protected.
