On Monday, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar admitted that 27,000 vehicles carrying smuggled Iranian oil were entering Pakistan daily, facilitated by local officials. This rare acknowledgment exposed the deep collusion between smugglers and their supporters.

During an informal interaction with the media, the Prime Minister emphasized that smuggling of goods and foreign currency posed an “existential threat to Pakistan.” He revealed that these vehicles paid bribes ranging from Rs125,000 to Rs150,000 per vehicle to deputy commissioners, allowing their illegal cross-border movement. The Prime Minister stated that his government’s crackdown on smuggling prevented the rupee-dollar exchange rate from reaching Rs350.

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He also discussed his meeting with the IMF Managing Director, where he outlined Pakistan’s efforts to curb currency smuggling and emphasized his intention to tax various sectors, including lawyers, doctors, media persons, media owners, and retailers.

Regarding the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), he clarified that no new areas had been included under the SIFC’s jurisdiction, and decisions about expanding its role rested with the federal government. He affirmed the government’s commitment to electoral transparency, denying favoritism towards any political party and ensuring that no party faced undue restrictions.

The Prime Minister addressed concerns about PTI chief’s safety in jail, stating that the caretaker government would provide him facilities as per his entitlement. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order during the elections, taking into account security and economic challenges faced by the country.