14-member anti-smuggling task force constituted

Under the instructions of federal government to control the money laundering and Hundi business besides the stoppage of human trafficking and narcotics across the province, a 14-member provincial anti-smuggling task force has been constituted which will be responsible to deal with all these criminals with iron hands who are involved to damage the national treasury and assets.

It was decided in a high-level meeting held at Civil Secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Azam Suleman who will be the convener of the anti-smuggling task force.

Other members included Chief Collector Customs (Enforcement), Punjab Co-Convener Additional Chief Secretary Home, Punjab Inspector General of Police, Punjab DG Pakistan Rangers, Punjab DG Fisheries, Punjab Rep of 4 Corps, Rep of MO Directorate Joint Director General IB, Punjab, Director FIA, Punjab, Director ANF, Punjab, Sector Commander ISI, Sector Commander MI Rep. of Plant Protection and Quarantine Department.

It was decided in the meeting that all forces should be on the same page and would start the Intelligence Based Operations (IBOS) across Punjab. The performance of the task force will be monitored on consecutive basis and monthly review meetings will also be convened for the purpose.

The Chief Secretary further said that to knock off the practices of financial assistance to the terrorist groups was the dire need of the hour and for that purpose "we should work together and cooperate with each other to deal with these outlaws."

IG Punjab Shoaib Dastgir, DG Rangers, Punjab, and all other departmental heads assured the Chief Secretary to play their role in order to eradicate these anti-state elements and their activities from the province.