ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has written to the Ministry of Finance and Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) seeking answers to allegations of petrol smuggling.
The Washington-based lender is concerned about the huge amount of petroleum products that are smuggled into the country each month.
Demanding comprehensive action against 143 million litres of petroleum products smuggled each month, the IMF has sought a report from the finance ministry and the FBR over measures taken to curb the smuggling of petroleum products.
Furthermore, the international financial institution has also demanded an increase in the number of customs, intelligence and security officers in the border areas.
Each year, smuggling of petroleum products costs Pakistan Rs10 billion in customs alone levy, the documents read.
It is pertinent to know that the caretaker government has already launched a nationwide crackdown against smuggling activities.
On September 5, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar had directed customs officials to improve surveillance and establish a comprehensive monitoring mechanism at irregular border crossings to prevent smuggling in the country.
Subsequently, on the premier’s directives, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti on September 10 announced the government’s decision to give prize money to those who provide information on smuggling activities.
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