I want to draw the attention of government toward the crime of smuggling in Pakistan. Smuggling is an illegal trade. Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by it. Pakistan has become the gateway of smuggling now and there seems to be no way of stunting its growth. Smuggling is very ruinous for the economy and the future of a country. Our border is long and deserted that’s why it creates a conducive atmosphere for the smugglers to carry items with comfort and ease.
There are lots of causes for this crime including lack of peace and stability, lack of policing infrastructure etc. One of the reasons is the imbalanced policies delineated by government and high rates of taxation on the goods. Sometimes, the dishonest custom officers, policeman or rangers become accomplices in this disastrous activity, which makes smuggling by roads, by air, as well as by sea on a large scale a common activity.
The government should post an anti-smuggling force all along the border to pursue and capture the smugglers. The government must provide employment in a country and relaxation on taxes at least on the most demanded goods. Officers who are responsible to control this crime should be honest and develop such regimes which can curb smuggling.
BUSHRA ASIM
Karachi