The Government of Pakistan, through its Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), has launched a comprehensive crackdown on illegal activities under its "Zero Tolerance Policy." This initiative, effective since September 1, 2023, targets smuggling, hoarding, and the theft of electricity and gas.
In the anti-smuggling operations, authorities have intercepted 13,089 metric tons of fertilizer, preventing its illegal movement across borders. Additionally, 35,124 metric tons of sugar and 3,552 metric tons of wheat and flour were confiscated from smugglers. The textile black market also took a hit with the seizure of 154,022 cloth bundles.
The crackdown extended to fuel smuggling, with 17 million liters of Iranian oil seized, helping stabilize the domestic fuel market.
To combat hoarding, officials have recovered 79,306 metric tons of fertilizer, ensuring its availability to farmers. Further actions resulted in the confiscation of 2,642 metric tons of wheat, 57,135 metric tons of ghee, and 11,918 metric tons of sugar from hoarders manipulating market prices.
In addressing utility theft, law enforcement agencies filed 206,508 FIRs against electricity thieves, arresting over 85,330 individuals and recovering 118 billion rupees. The gas sector saw the disconnection of more than 3,000 illegal domestic connections.
These measures, facilitated by the SIFC, demonstrate the government's commitment to enforcing the rule of law and protecting Pakistan's economy. The "Zero Tolerance Policy" aims to dismantle illegal networks, stabilize markets, and ensure the availability of essential commodities at fair prices.
