KARACHI: The sale of diesel and petrol in Sukkur region has been increased by 200 percent, while in Balochistan a 100 percent increase has been reported following the actions taken by the Customs officials against smugglers in Sindh and Balochistan.
Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Lutfullah Virk has not only given the directives to curb this menace, but is also monitoring the actions of Anti-Smuggling Organisation.
Another important role is of Collector Gwadar Dr Agha Owais Jawwad who has close liaison with his DG.
Dr Jawwad is also in constant touch with the raiding parties involved in taking actions against the smugglers of petrol and diesel.
Talking to Customs Today, ASO Chief Haji Aslam claimed that if the checking on hub route is ensured then the smuggling of other items could also be minimised.
He disclosed that smuggling of cloth, tyres, cigarettes, Gutka, CNG cylinders and electronic goods is still continuing which too could be stopped if the top law enforcers keep vigil at a check post near Gadani. He says that the smuggled items are brought at Quetta Bus Terminal near Baldia Town to send them in other parts of the country.
The sources close to the authorities were of the view that the smuggling could almost come to an end if honest persons are posted on the higher posts in the border forces like Frontier Constabulary (FC), Coast Gurads and Rangers.
He thanked the higher authorities in general and Director General Lutfullah Virk, Director Asif Marghoob Siddiqui and Collector Gwadar Agha Jawwad for their outstanding support to the ASOs and vowed to eliminate the menace from Sindh and Balochistan.
Jiwani, Panjgur, Ormara, Pasni, Jiwani and Gwadar are the vulnerable points where the actions are required, he added.
Sources said that the major requirement is the appointment of officers in the Customs Department where no appointment has been made for the last three decades.
Shortage of staff and latest weaponry needed to combat the smugglers, boats are also required for such action which is lacking in the department.
