A report submitted to the Prime Minister's Office has revealed that 29 politicians are allegedly involved in smuggling Iranian petroleum products. The report also states that terrorists are using revenue generated from petrol smuggling as a key source of financing.
The report, which incriminates politicians and government officials, revealed that 2.8 billion litres of petrol was smuggled annually to Pakistan from Iran. This costs Pakistan Rs60 billion each year. The report also found that 995 petrol pumps across the country are involved in the illegal sale of Iranian petrol. Around 90 government officials and 29 politicians are involved in smuggling of petrol.
The report also addressed the issue of Hundi-Hawala, saying that 722 currency dealers are involved in the illegal forex activity. The highest number of currency dealers involved in this illegal activity are in Punjab, with 205 dealers. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 183 dealers, Sindh has 179 dealers, Balochistan has 104 dealers, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir has 37 dealers. In Islamabad, 17 dealers are involved in the Hawala-hundi business.
Federal Interior Minister Senator Sarfraz Bugti said that the people involved in smuggling US dollars and hoarding sugar and other edibles are more dangerous terrorists than the TTP. He said that the people involved in damaging Pakistan and causing security threat would be responded strongly by using all resources of the country.
In conclusion, the report has revealed that a large number of politicians and government officials are involved in smuggling Iranian petroleum products and Hundi-Hawala. This is a serious matter that needs to be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. The government has also vowed to take strong action against those involved in these illegal activities.
