Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated the government's steadfast resolve to eradicate the threat of smuggling and establish a peaceful nation.
The PM said this on Thursday when he paid a visit to slain Customs inspector Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi's home in Abbottabad. The official had been killed in Dera Ismail Khan while fighting smugglers.
The prime minister, accompanied by federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Amir Muqam, presented the grieving family with a cheque from the Shuhada Package and offered prayers for him. He said he had directed to take complete action to prevent smuggling, adding that the FBR chairman and officers of related agencies were there for the task.
He underlined that stopping smuggling is essential to boosting the economy, and declared that the billions of dollars the country has saved up will be used to further the development and prosperity of the nation.
In an effort to stop smuggling, Shehbaz claimed to have given the interior minister strict instructions to work closely with the provincial administrations, adding Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was working hard to end smuggling. He stressed that it was necessary to crack down on smuggling along with the provincial governments, as he maintained that the economy could not be strengthened without ending this menace.
He expressed gratitude to Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir for the Pakistan Army's assistance in effectively combating this threat, and asserted that all capabilities would be used to end smuggling.
The PM expressed gratitude to the slain Customs inspector, and promised that his sacrifice would not be in vain. He declared Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi a national hero and said people would never forget his sacrifices.
Shehbaz said the Shuhada package is being duplicated in the Center, after announcing the one for Punjab. He said that individuals in the rank of sepoy will receive Rs13.5 million for their homes in addition to a Rs10 million cash prize under this package.
He further stated that a cash grant of Rs15 million will be given to the family of the deceased in the rank of inspector, and Rs25 million for the home. He declared that the families of the martyrs would also receive free health and education services.