ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has announced that any security personnel involved in cross-border smuggling would be subject to court-martial proceedings.
The government’s crackdown on smugglers, particularly those smuggling commodities and dollars into Afghanistan, has intensified in recent months, further straining the already fragile economy.
This crackdown has yielded positive results, with reduced speculation and a sharp recovery of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, making it the top-performing global currency. However, analysts remain skeptical about the long-term impact of these administrative measures.
Bugti acknowledged the possible involvement of security forces in smuggling activities, pointing out that they transport the smuggled items via trucks, not camels. He emphasized that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir made it clear that any military personnel involved in illegal cross-border trade would face consequences, including court-martials and potential imprisonment.
Iron fist against illegal activities
Bugti noted that the army does not publically disclose its accountability mechanism, but it exists and is active. He also mentioned the government’s firm stance against illegal activities like hawala, hundi, and sub-standard fuel sales, and the recovery of 8,000 metric tonnes of sugar. The government is compiling a database of trucks used in smuggling operations.
Furthermore, Bugti highlighted the government’s efforts to combat the usage of hawala and hundi, with 168 FIRs registered against those involved in illegal dollar trading.
Regarding the potential return of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif to politics, Bugti expressed support and encouragement, stating that Nawaz Sharif’s return to the country with his daughter was a testament to his bravery and commitment to the rule of law. He emphasized that the law would treat every Pakistani citizen, including Nawaz Sharif, accordingly.
Bugti’s earlier statement about potentially arresting Nawaz Sharif at the airport had drawn criticism from PML-N leaders, but he clarified that it was taken out of context and asserted that the caretaker government had no political agenda.
