200 Smugglers Still Illegally Importing Petrol, Diesel Via Pak-Iran Border

Oil smuggling across the Pakistan-Iran border still remains a pressing issue despite past crackdowns. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was informed on Wednesday that while the number of smugglers has significantly decreased from 4,000 to around 100-200, the practice has not been entirely eliminated. Addressing the committee, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb revealed that Pakistan has legally exported sugar to Afghanistan for the first time in history. Unlike previous shipments that were smuggled across the border without passing through official customs, this trade adhered to the proper channels. He emphasized the need for stricter border controls to prevent illegal trade and boost the economy. Meanwhile, customs officials have doubled their rates from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 per cargo and made trade more difficult for legal importers at the Taftan border. Lawmakers warned that trade disruptions could escalate if Iran retaliates by blocking Pakistani trucks.