In a tragic turn of events, Dera Ismail Khan has become the scene of escalating violence with the recent killing of two Customs officers. The law enforcement community has been on high alert since November 2023, following intelligence warnings of potential attacks on personnel. Despite increased security measures which have successfully reduced police casualties since March, it appears that Customs officers have now become the new targets.
The attacks, which bear the hallmarks of terrorism, coincide with Dera Ismail Khan’s notorious reputation as a hub for the transportation of smuggled goods. Strategically located at the crossroads of Baluchistan, Punjab, and KPK, the city serves as a critical conduit for illicit goods moving to northern Punjab and KPK.
Chief Collector Abdul Qadir Memon, Collector Quetta Tahir Qureshi, and Additional Collector Yousuf Magsi implemented stringent controls to curb smuggling activities. Similarly, Collector DI Khan Karam Ilahi, Additional Collector Aleema, and Deputy Collector Jawad ul Hasan, under the vigilant supervision of Chief Collector Saeed Akram, intensified their crackdown on the smuggling networks.
Authorities suspect that these smuggling rings, which thrived during the tenure of the caretaker government, are behind the recent attacks. With billions in smuggled goods stockpiled, the pressure to move these items into Punjab and KPK has intensified.
The impact of smuggling extends beyond economic damage; it also finances terrorism and other anti-social elements. This established link underscores the dual threat that smuggling poses to the region, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to dismantle these networks and restore peace to the affected communities.