Major Gold Smuggling Attempt Foiled
Customs officials at Jinnah International Airport intercepted more than 300 tolas of gold from a passenger and his family members arriving from Abu Dhabi. The passengers failed to provide legal documentation for carrying the gold into Pakistan.
During routine scanning of luggage and hand-carried bags, authorities detected gold and foreign currency. A detailed search uncovered 281 tolas of gold jewellery, including bangles and rings, along with 20 tolas of gold bars.
In addition to the gold, officials recovered $33,100 in US dollars and 366,000 UAE dirhams from the passenger. Customs immediately confiscated all the items and registered a case against the passenger for attempting to smuggle valuables into the country.
Customs authorities stressed that such operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal imports and safeguard Pakistan’s economic interests. Smuggling gold and foreign currency without proper declaration is a serious offense under Pakistani law.
Investment Outlook Amid Middle East Instability
Separately, Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, predicted a significant inflow of investment into Pakistan in the coming weeks. Speaking on ARY News’ “Sawal Yeh Hai”, Sheikh said the ongoing Iran conflict is expected to last no more than two weeks.
He added that after the war ends, normalcy will return rapidly, creating a favorable environment for investors. Sheikh highlighted that Pakistan has emerged as a stable country, while many Pakistanis who invested in Gulf countries, including the UAE, may now repatriate their capital due to regional instability.
Sheikh said, “After the next 15 days, a huge inflow of capital will come to Pakistan. We only need to provide the right incentives to investors. Many Pakistanis who invested in the Gulf are now regretting it.”
Incentives and Policies to Attract Investors
Calling the Middle East turmoil “a blessing in disguise,” Sheikh emphasized the need to offer proper incentives to prevent investments from flowing to countries like Hong Kong. He stressed that reducing taxes and creating a business-friendly environment will attract both domestic and foreign investors.
These statements suggest the government is actively looking to capitalize on geopolitical developments to strengthen Pakistan’s economy. By ensuring stable policies and regulatory clarity, authorities hope to channel incoming capital into productive sectors.
The seizure of gold at Karachi Airport and the investment outlook highlight Pakistan’s dual focus on enforcing customs regulations while also fostering a pro-investment economic environment for returning and new investors.
