QUETTA: In adherence to the directives of COAS General Asim Munir, a comprehensive operation targeting smuggling activities is currently underway. The initial phase of this operation involves the establishment of joint check-posts throughout the province of Baluchistan.
Insider sources have revealed that these check-posts will eventually incorporate Customs officials, in addition to personnel from the Rangers, Frontier Corps (FC), Levies and Police.
The introduction of these joint check-posts signifies a significant shift in responsibility for combating smuggling, which was previously borne solely by the Customs department.
Customs Enforcement Quetta has reached out to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to assign officials who will be stationed at these joint check-posts, thereby enhancing the efficacy of anti-smuggling efforts, particularly concerning the trafficking of essential goods.
Consequently, several check-posts will see the presence of FC Baluchistan and Police personnel alongside Customs staff. These check-posts include Garang Qilla Abdullah, Sheikh Wasil, Panjpal, Galangur, Padagh, Landl, Jangyan, Dali, Basima, and Wangu.
In accordance with the directives of COAS, a crackdown has also been initiated against both legal and informal money transfer exchanges, commonly known as Hawala and Hundi. It has come to light that several Customs agents and importers have been operating as Hawala and Hundi agencies in Quetta. As a result of this operation, there has been a noteworthy correction in the foreign exchange rates within the open market.