Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the law enforcement agencies to expedite the countrywide anti-smuggling campaign.

He was chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad today regarding prevention of smuggling in the country.                                   

The Prime Minister said monitoring of Afghan transit trade items should be made effective to prevent their smuggling.

He directed the customs authorities to conduct a third-party audit of the system that monitors Afghan transit trade.      

Appreciating the performance of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, he directed them to cooperate with each other to prevent smuggling and ensure strict action against those involved in drug dealing. 

He also directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to immediately enact necessary rules in this regard.

The Prime Minister said youth should be provided with employment opportunities and favorable environment for business to avoid border area smuggling.        

The Prime Minister issued instructions to immediately release funds for a survey to check the use of drugs at national level.

He also issued instructions to completely stop the smuggling of sugar.  

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Army Chief General Syed Asim Muir for his all out cooperation with the government to end smuggling.                     

During the meeting, committee on illegal use of Afghan transit trade and identification of elements involved in smuggling and their facilitators presented its report.                                                                                                     

The Prime Minister was briefed that a list of smugglers, hoarders and their facilitators has been prepared and provided to the law enforcement agencies and relevant provinces.                                                             

He was informed in detail about misuse of Afghan transit trade, food items including sugar, wheat, fertilizers, petroleum products and illegal weapons.

The meeting was informed that National Anti-Trafficking Strategy is in the final phase and after consultation with all stakeholders, it will be presented for approval.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Chief of General Staff of Turkiye, General Metin Gurak at a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad today.

The award was conferred upon him in recognition of his illustrious services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye defence relations.                    

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, high level civil and military officers, foreign diplomats and parliamentarians attended the ceremony.

Islamabad: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in multifaceted areas.

The resolve was expressed during a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday.

The Prime Minister’s call was centered on his admiration for the strong resolve and impeccable efficiency with which the UAE leadership had confronted the challenges that had emerged from the recent rains in the country.

He lauded the UAE President, who has once again demonstrated his outstanding leadership qualities and proven his strong commitment to ensuring the welfare of the Emirati people.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has also witnessed heavy rains in recent days, resulting in loss of many precious lives.

He called for collective actions to combat the challenge of climate change and suggested that both countries strengthen their collaboration in this field.

Speaking on the occasion, the UAE President expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s good wishes and reciprocated the warm sentiments for the people affected from rains and flooding in Pakistan.