Iranian oil smuggling: 29 politicians and 92 government officers involved
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A government agency submitted a comprehensive report to the Prime Minister's House, shedding light on the alarming issue of Iranian oil smuggling and the widespread practice of hawala hundi business within Pakistan. This report, delivered on a Sunday, offers a deep dive into the extent of these illicit activities, exposing the nation's vulnerabilities to financial malfeasance and security threats.
The report unveils staggering statistics, revealing that a staggering 722 currency dealers are ensnared in the web of hawala hundi business across Pakistan. Astonishingly, Punjab emerges as the epicenter of this underground trade, with a staggering 205 hawala hundi dealers operating within its boundaries. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir are not far behind, with significant numbers of hawala dealers conducting their business in these regions.
The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent when considering the report's revelation that approximately 2.810 billion liters of oil are smuggled from Iran into Pakistan annually. This massive oil smuggling operation inflicts staggering revenue losses of 60 billion rupees per year on the national exchequer. What's even more concerning is the report's assertion that terrorists are exploiting the proceeds from this illicit oil trade to fund their activities.
Moreover, the report exposes the complicity of those living in close proximity to the border, with 76 dealers implicated in oil smuggling in border areas. Shockingly, nearly a thousand petrol pumps across the country are selling Iranian oil, highlighting the pervasive nature of this smuggling operation.
The report also identifies 90 government officials and 29 politicians involved in this nefarious activity, painting a grim picture of corruption within the highest echelons of power. This report serves as a stark wake-up call, demanding immediate action to curb these illicit practices and protect the nation's interests.
