ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday gave a one-week warning to fuel stations and oil smugglers to shun the business of smuggled oil otherwise a massive crackdown would be initiated against them.

Speaking at a Christmas function held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA), he said the Christian community was loyal to Pakistan and deserved appreciation for their services.

He cut a Christmas cake and assured members of the community that his ministry would play its due role towards protecting their rights as well as those of other employees of CDA and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI).

Mr Ahmed directed provincial secretaries to ensure security at churches in their respective provinces and facilitate the community on the eve of Christmas.

“Today, the prime minister tasked me to ensure halting of smuggled oil,” he said, adding that because of smuggled oil and petrol, not only does the country’s economy face a loss but vehicles also developed faults.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the role of Federal Board of Revenue for taking measures to stop smuggling of mobile phones and this step saved $2 billion.

Action was also taken to stop smuggling of garments which led to a growth in revenue and boosted the country’s textile industry during Covid-19 pandemic, he said, adding that petrol pumps will be sealed if owners are found using smuggled oil.

CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed and Member Finance Rana Shakeel Asghar were also present at the ceremony, which was attended by a large number of Christian employees of CDA.

Christmas carols, hymns and celebratory songs were performed at the event. CDA employee Sarfraz Gill moderated the event and thanked everyone for their participation.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2020