In a bid to safeguard Pakistan’s economic interests, General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Army Chief, has reaffirmed the commitment of the government and law enforcement agencies to pursue a relentless crackdown on illegal activities. This resolute stance was conveyed during a meeting of the provincial apex committee in Karachi, where General Munir emphasized that the authorities would combat unlawful practices “with full force,” as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan.
Pakistan initiated a nationwide operation targeting currency smugglers, hoarders, and black marketers in an effort to mitigate an ongoing economic crisis. This crisis has severely weakened the country’s national currency, depleting its foreign reserves and causing inflation to soar to unprecedented levels. The crackdown has yielded noticeable improvements, with the Pakistani rupee appreciating by 0.33 percent to reach Rs282.69 against the US dollar at the close of trading on Friday.
During the meeting in Karachi, General Munir was briefed on several critical matters, including the revised National Action Plan, the security of foreign nationals working on projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the repatriation of illegal foreigners from Pakistan. The army chief also received updates on the government’s efforts to regulate foreign currency and the progress of projects under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a government body established to attract international investment in key economic sectors.
General Munir stressed the need for synergy among all relevant departments to maximize the positive impact of these significant initiatives. His statements come in the wake of a decision by Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who recently gave “illegal immigrants” until November 1 to voluntarily leave Pakistan or face deportation. This decision is expected to affect over a million Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan, many of whom lack official registration.
The move has garnered criticism from the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. It was prompted by a surge in militant attacks across Pakistan, with Bugti revealing that out of the 24 suicide bombings in the country since January, 14 were carried out by Afghan nationals.
As Pakistan remains resolute in its efforts to address illegal activities and secure its economic stability, General Munir’s declaration underscores the commitment to enforcing the rule of law and preserving the nation’s resources.
