KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has advised Director General of Customs Intelligence & Investigation and Chief Collector of Customs – North to launch anti-smuggling operations under a well-thought out strategy to curb the menace of smuggling. The Board has also advised the officers mentioned above to submit a report on to actions taken in the regard.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan took Suo Moto and expressed displeasure on the open sale of smuggled goods across the country, especially in Hayatabad Karkhano Market, Peshawar; Blue Area, Islamabad; Bara Market, Rawalpindi and other main markets in various major cities of the country.

An official said that the mega marts and super marts that had expanded on a large scale in the urban centers particularly Karachi were openly housing and selling smuggled and sub-standard goods.

Chief Justice warned that if the menace of smuggling was not checked, it could lead to destruction of the indigenous manufacturing industry and other allied sectors.