PM orders installation of modern cargo scanning system to curb smuggling

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed relevant authorities to install an international standard cargo scanning system in Karachi and other key commercial centers to tackle the problem of smuggling in the country. “The old monitoring, tracking and scanning systems in malls must be replaced with new systems equipped with modern technology,” the Prime Minister said as he chaired a review meeting on the transit cargo and tracking system. It has also issued guidelines to ensure quality verification of third-party cargo tracking service providers. The Prime Minister noted that with the improvement of the tracking system, smuggling has decreased significantly. He emphasized that the steps taken to stop the smuggling made it possible to export $211 million worth of sugar to Afghanistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz pointed out that Pakistan will become a transit trade hub for other regional countries due to integrated communication system and better cargo tracking. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Chairman Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) and senior government officials.