KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed that all efforts may be made to control the smuggling of food items out of the country.
Prime Minister of Pakistan has taken serious view of the shortage of food items i.e. sugar, wheat/ wheat flour, maize, Maida, poultry, fresh fruits, vegetables and livestock etc. in the country and one of the reasons of the shortage has been attributed to possible smuggling of these food items to the neighboring countries especially Afghanistan.
Therefore, the Custom Authorities are directed to deploy all their possible resources for the said task and make all endeavors in their areas of jurisdiction to control the smuggling, specially of food items.
Federal Board of Revenue FBR has advised Custom Authorities to keep close liaison with Law Enforcement Agencies. Strict vigilance may also be kept on clearances of export consignments to thwart any attempt of misdeclaration/ smuggling of these item in the garb of normal items.
Moreover, the detail of steps already taken and its results may also be shared with the Board. A fortnightly report may be sent by the Directorate General of l&I – Customs and Chief Collectors highlighting anti-smuggling performance in their areas.