Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a weekly performance review meeting of the Federal Board of Revenue on Friday, December 19, 2025. Photo: APP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised Pakistan Customs’ recent anti-smuggling efforts, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported that restrictions on smuggling of petroleum products had driven an 82 percent increase in revenue during the first five months of the current fiscal year, Pakistan’s Associated Press reported.
The prime minister’s comments came during a weekly performance review meeting of the FBR, where he praised enforcement measures and directed authorities to intensify action against tax evasion and illicit trade, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Officials briefed the meeting on progress in combating smuggling and strengthening law enforcement mechanisms. The prime minister noted that smuggling was causing billions of rupees in losses to the national exchequer and said decisive action remained essential to protect the country’s economic interests.
Read: Pakistan plans Panda Bond debut in January
He praised Pakistan Customs for its successful operations and stated that effective law enforcement had significantly reduced smuggling in key sectors. The prime minister described the results as encouraging, adding that products that were previously smuggled were now being imported legally and integrated into the formal economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed authorities to accelerate efforts against tax evasion and reiterated that no leniency would be shown in cases of smuggling or tax fraud. He also directed the provincial governments to extend their full cooperation to the FBR, particularly in legal action targeting illegal filling stations.
In the meeting, attended by federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, FBR chairman and senior officials, it was informed that an integrated customs control system to prevent smuggling is now operational across the country.
Read also: Dar accuses India of violating IWT as Chenab levels fall
Officials said petrol pumps have been registered across the country through the Rahguzar app, while legal action is being taken against illegal outlets. The new Petroleum Law has empowered district administrations to confiscate illegal machinery used at unauthorized fuel stations, and a GPS-based tracking system has been implemented for oil transportation.
According to the report, measures taken between July and November 2025 also curbed smuggling of cigarettes, tires, clothing, electronics and other products.
