The Pakistan Customs has intensified its anti-smuggling crackdown in recent weeks, seizing large quantities of essential commodities, petroleum products, and other goods worth approximately Rs. 2.25 billion. The crackdown has been carried out across the country, with major operations taking place in Quetta, D.I. Khan, Multan, Karachi, Sargodha, and Lahore.
The seized goods include sugar, urea, petroleum products, Pakistani currency, tyres, black tea, betel nuts, vehicles, iron, steel, and other goods. In one of the biggest seizures, Customs Enforcement-Quetta seized 1,637 tons of sugar worth approximately Rs. 1.0 billion from smugglers in a convoy of 15 trucks. This was followed by a massive seizure of smuggled goods and vehicles, worth Rs. 519 million, on Daraban-Darazinda Road DIK on 3rd Sep 2023 in collaboration with local police. Customs Enforcement-D.I. Khan also seized 218,000 liters of smuggled POL / diesel, valuing approximately Rs. 137.6 Million.
The crackdown is part of the Pakistan Customs' efforts to eliminate the menace of smuggling and protect the country's economy. The Customs has also issued strict instructions to its anti-smuggling formations to keep vigilance on the illicit movement of essential goods, Iranian POL, and currency.
The Pakistan Customs' anti-smuggling crackdown is a welcome development. Smuggling is a major problem in Pakistan, and it costs the country billions of rupees each year. The crackdown will help to protect the country's economy and ensure that essential goods are available at affordable prices.
