ABBOTTABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to uproot smuggling, saying it is a curse and its eradication is as important as reviving the national economy.

He said this during his visit to Abbottabad to condole the death of customs officer Hasnain Ali Tirmzi on Thursday. Husnain Ali who was martyred along with other four customs officials during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan a few days ago.

The prime minister visited the residence of Hasnain Ali in Jinnahabad Colony and condoled with the bereaved family and prayed for the high status of the martyr.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, MNA Sardar Mohammad Yousaf, PML-N provincial president Amir Muqam and general secretary Murtaza Javed Abbasi were also present on the occasion.

Talking to the bereaved family, the prime minister said that sacrifice of Hasnain Ali would go in vain. He added fulfilling educational expenses of his children was the responsibility of the government.

Terming him a hero of the nation, he said that he embraced martyrdom while performing his duty. “Allah says in the Holy Quran do not call the martyrs dead, they are alive,” he added.

The prime minister said that his government was taking all possible measures to eradicate drug trafficking and control smuggling. He said that the entire nation was united to end terrorism and illegal trafficking.

“Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and all of us will use our powers to end smuggling. Army chief Gen Asim Munir is fully supporting the government in this particular task. We are proud of Hasnain Ali,” he said.

The prime minister said that martyr’s sacrifice would not go waste. He pledged to eradicate cross-border smuggling with the support of law enforcement agencies and the army.

He announced Shuhada Package of Rs15 million and a house for Hasnain Ali and other martyrs. Foolproof security arrangements were made during the visit of prime minister to the district.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2024