Smuggling of Goods from Afghanistan and Iran Continues Despite Border Restrictions

Islamabad:Despite strict border controls, smuggling from Afghanistan and Iran into Pakistan continues unabated, with a variety of goods being illegally brought into the country. These goods include Iranian petrol, dry fruits, spices, blankets, carpets, and electronic items, which are openly available in local markets despite government crackdowns.

The most prominent item in this illegal trade is Iranian petrol and diesel. According to cautious estimates, around 50,000 to 100,000 liters of Iranian oil are smuggled into Balochistan daily, generating a business volume of over 220 million rupees per day.

**Government Action and Continued Smuggling**

The Balochistan government had imposed a complete ban on the smuggling of Iranian petrol and diesel several months ago, issuing stringent orders to curb the illegal trade. However, sources suggest that despite these measures, the smuggling and sale of Iranian oil continues to thrive.

Osman Khan, a person involved in the Iranian oil trade, told *V News* that when the government initially imposed the ban, there was a noticeable decrease in the availability of smuggled Iranian oil in the markets. However, he stated that today, Iranian oil is once again readily available, with petrol in Quetta priced between 220 to 230 rupees per liter.

**Government’s Efforts and Ongoing Challenges**

Official sources revealed that the government had conducted operations against oil smugglers this year, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of individuals and the seizure of millions of liters of Iranian oil. Despite these efforts, certain elements continue to be involved in the illegal trade of Iranian oil.

The Balochistan government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing a complete ban on the purchase and sale of Iranian oil in the coming year, aiming to eradicate this illicit trade.

The continued smuggling not only poses a challenge to the economy but also undermines the government’s efforts to maintain law and order along the border regions. The government’s ongoing struggle to curb such illegal activities highlights the complexities involved in regulating cross-border trade and maintaining national security.