LAHORE: The caretaker government has empowered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to curb smuggling of US dollars, sugar, fertiliser and petroleum products.
In a meeting presided over by the caretaker interior minister, it has been decided to extend powers to the FIA to crack down on smugglers, after which the FIA has initiated action against the elements involved in the smuggling of US dollars, sugar, fertiliser and petroleum products.
After receiving the powers, the FIA has also issued a letter asking the zonal directors to send a report on the action taken at all exit and entry points of US dollars and other foreign currencies on a daily basis at 10am.
In addition to this, orders have also been issued to appoint a focal person to the Zonal Directors.
On the other hand, the Punjab government has handed over the names of 13 big dealers involved in the sugar scandal to the FIA. However, the Punjab Food Department, FIA and other agencies could not arrest any dealers so far.
The dealers, involved in the heinous crime, belong to Lahore, Khushab, Sargodha, Kasur, Karachi, Chishtian, Faisalabad and other districts.
Sources said the dealers have disappeared from their homes and offices after which the Punjab government has sent their details to the federal government and FIA has started action by registering cases against the elements involved in illegal activities.
