Islamabad:Major General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Public Relations at the Pakistan Army, has highlighted the alarming trend of non-custom paid vehicles being utilized for terrorist activities within the country. Addressing a news conference on Monday, he questioned the legality of vehicles operating without proper documentation in any region or country.
He raised concerns over the anonymity of these vehicles, emphasizing that such anonymity provides a cover for terrorist elements to carry out their nefarious activities unchecked. Major General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry pointed out that the exploitation of this loophole not only facilitates terrorism but also other criminal activities.
Highlighting the scale of illegal activities, he stated that the smuggling of oil alone contributes to billions of rupees in illegal earnings, alongside the illicit trade of 50 to 60 percent of cigarettes. He underscored that these activities are orchestrated by organized mafias, reaping enormous profits.
Discussing recent law enforcement successes, Major General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry revealed that over a thousand kilograms of illegal narcotics have been seized since September, much of which originates from Afghanistan. He stressed that tackling this illegal spectrum requires a concerted effort, including a refined national action plan.
Commenting on the broader implications, he argued that reducing the illegal spectrum would not only curb terrorism but also yield significant societal benefits. He reiterated the need for a “soft state” approach and emphasized that eliminating this spectrum is vital for economic prosperity.
Regarding recent protests, he mentioned that the purpose of demonstrations was to permit smuggling. He described how protesters resorted to violence against law enforcement officials and highlighted the involvement of human rights organizations, all demanding unrestricted smuggling, which adversely impacts the economy.
In conclusion, Major General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry questioned the rationale behind allowing Afghans to enter Pakistan with only identity cards, stressing the need for a visa system to regulate entries from neighboring countries effectively. He pointed out that this lax border control facilitates the ease of illegal activities, undermining national security and economic stability.
