ADDRESSING a meeting on the law and order situation in Peshawar, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards Smuggling and hoarding, emphasizing the concrete progress that has been achieved thus far.

Unlike the past, it is indeed the first time that such strict action has been initiated against the pervasive issues of smuggling and hoarding, and the positive results are also visible in the form of appreciation of the rupee against the dollar. This indeed will have a ripple effect on various sectors of the economy. In his remarks, the Prime Minister also underlined that the appreciation has not only positively impacted the country’s economy but also contributed to a substantial reduction in the country’s loans by a staggering Rs4,000 billion. Additionally, the depreciation has influenced the prices of essential commodities, including petroleum products and various food items, thereby providing some respite to the general public. It is crucial to acknowledge the commendable support of the defense forces in the ongoing battle against smuggling and hoarding. Their collaboration with the government has played a pivotal role in curbing these detrimental activities. Undoubtedly, crackdowns on smuggling and hoarding help stabilize the market by preventing artificial shortages and controlling price manipulation. This stability is vital for fostering investor confidence, promoting sustainable economic growth, and attracting foreign investment. Action against smuggling and hoarding promotes fair trade practices, creating a level playing field for legitimate businesses to thrive effectively addressing smuggling is also crucial for maintaining national security. Unregulated cross-border trade can potentially facilitate the influx of illegal goods, thus posing a threat to the country’s security and sovereignty. By curbing such activities, the government can strengthen its border control measures, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. Looking ahead, the government must continue its vigilant efforts and implement further strategic measures to consolidate the gains made in the fight against smuggling. To check artificial inflation, it is important that price control committees are also fully activated and action is initiated against the profiteers.