Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressed a ceremony honoring the nation’s prominent exporters and business leaders, highlighting the significant achievements in curbing petroleum smuggling and strengthening Pakistan’s economic stability. He announced that petroleum smuggling has been almost completely stopped, a development that has had a remarkable impact on the country’s finances.
Thanks to this effective crackdown, Pakistan is now generating an additional revenue of approximately 12 billion rupees per month, which translates to more than 144 billion rupees annually. The Prime Minister emphasized that this substantial gain has been made possible solely due to the stringent measures and strict monitoring at the borders, which have effectively dismantled the smuggling network that had long drained the national exchequer.
PM Shehbaz Sharif attributed the success entirely to the Field Marshal, recognizing his efforts in ensuring extraordinary discipline and vigilance. “The entire credit for this success goes 100% to the Field Marshal,” he stated, acknowledging that the meticulous supervision and tough enforcement have been pivotal in controlling illegal petroleum activities. He noted that such coordinated action is a testament to the power of joint partnership, where the government, authorities, and stakeholders work together to achieve national progress.
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The Prime Minister stressed that this victory over smuggling is not just about increased revenue but also about creating a more secure and transparent economic environment for businesses and citizens alike. “These are the measures that we are all implementing together. This is a joint partnership, and this is the only path to development and prosperity in this country,” he added.
Highlighting the government’s support for domestic industries, PM Shehbaz Sharif assured local industrialists that they would receive full support and facilitation if they wish to expand or produce using local infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of developing national resources and capacities, stating that nurturing domestic business is key to long-term economic growth.
However, the Prime Minister made it clear that while supporting local industries remains a priority, foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to be the top strategic focus for the government. He explained that FDI is essential for a strong economy, employment generation, and sustainable long-term stability. Attracting international investors, he noted, brings not only capital but also modern technology, expertise, and market linkages, all of which are crucial for Pakistan’s global economic competitiveness.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s address underlined the government’s dual approach: supporting domestic industrial growth while simultaneously promoting FDI. By implementing strict regulatory measures, ensuring compliance at borders, and incentivizing both local and foreign investment, the administration aims to create a robust, transparent, and prosperous economy.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister’s remarks celebrated a historic success against petroleum smuggling, lauding the efforts of security forces and government officials in protecting the national economy. He reinforced the message that discipline, transparency, and collaboration are fundamental to Pakistan’s progress. The crackdown on smuggling is not just an achievement in law enforcement but a critical milestone in ensuring that national resources are used effectively for development and shared prosperity.
With additional revenue of Rs144 billion per year now available for public welfare, infrastructure, and social programs, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government remains committed to creating a secure, growth-oriented, and investor-friendly environment for the betterment of all Pakistanis.
