The federal government of Pakistan has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on non-digitised petrol pumps, hawala and hundi networks, smuggling, black money, illegal spectrum use, and the crime-terror nexus. The move aims to strengthen state institutions and enhance security amid rising economic and security challenges.
Federal Committee Directs Counterterrorism Measures
The decision was made at a meeting of the Federal Steering and Review Committee on Counter Terrorism, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. Senior officials from the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) attended the session.
Provinces were instructed to accelerate capacity-building of Counter Terrorism Departments (CTDs) and expand deployment in violence-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, where militant attacks have surged in recent months.
Law enforcement agencies were directed to intensify intelligence-driven operations against militant networks and engage religious leaders and local communities to cut off logistical and social support for militants.
Enhanced Security for CPEC and Foreign Investments
Security will also be tightened for Chinese-led projects and foreign investments, including those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Authorities aim to reassure investors after repeated attacks on project sites and personnel.
Crackdown on Smuggling, Hawala, and Shadow Economy
The government approved stricter measures to curb smuggling and the shadow economy. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and AML/CFT Authority were tasked with taking tougher action against hawala and hundi operators, while enforcement against narcotics trafficking and illegal weapons manufacturing will also be intensified.
Fuel Retail Digitization and Safe City Projects
A key focus of the crackdown is the digitization of fuel retail. Provinces have been directed to expedite the digitization of petrol pumps, shut down illegal outlets, and enforce the Petroleum Amendments Act 2025 to combat the sale of smuggled fuel.
Authorities also ordered the acceleration of Safe City surveillance projects, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and Gwadar, alongside intensified anti-encroachment drives in KP, Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad.
Action Against Undocumented Foreigners
The committee instructed authorities to remap undocumented foreigners and cancel fake national identity cards issued to Afghan nationals. NADRA will share data with law enforcement, and provincial governments are required to intensify repatriation efforts while preventing re-entry of deported individuals.
Afghan camps in KP are to be evacuated immediately, with NGOs facilitating such settlements suspended. The Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme will continue, focusing on third-country relocation.
Officials said roughly two million Afghan nationals have been repatriated, but more than two million remain in Pakistan. A zero-tolerance approach toward illegal residents was reaffirmed.
National Infrastructure and Governance
The National Highway Authority (NHA) has been directed to ensure completion of infrastructure projects on schedule and submit monthly progress reports. These measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen governance, security enforcement, and economic stability across the country.
