A Senate Standing Committee on Interior meeting on Wednesday witnessed strong criticism from lawmakers over the seizure of Iranian fuel worth approximately Rs. 222 million, with members expressing serious concern over enforcement failures and alleged irregularities in regulatory systems.
Officials informed the committee that Iranian oil valued at around Rs. 222 million had been confiscated. However, lawmakers questioned how such large-scale smuggling was allowed to pass through designated border routes and weak control points.
During the session, one senator pointed out that certain districts were reportedly permitted to handle petroleum-related activities, but the Ministry of Interior had denied issuing any such authorization when formally approached for clarification.
The committee also reviewed broader issues of tax enforcement and smuggling, including the illegal cigarette trade. Members raised concerns about whether some tobacco manufacturers themselves were involved in facilitating smuggling operations.
The committee chairperson questioned whether factory owners in the cigarette industry were directly linked to illegal supply networks, while lawmakers criticized weak regulatory oversight and inconsistent enforcement by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Senator Saifullah Abro alleged that FBR officials were manipulating tax assessments in certain cases and pointed to irregularities in warehouse operations across the country.
Senator Talha Mahmood raised concerns over the apparent disparity between the official salaries of some tax officials and their alleged accumulation of significant assets, including luxury vehicles. He called for detailed investigations into officers whose lifestyles appeared inconsistent with declared income.
The committee was also briefed on an ongoing FIA inquiry involving an FBR official identified as Badshah Khan Wazir. Senator Abro said officials under investigation should be immediately suspended rather than allowed to continue serving in sensitive positions.
Lawmakers noted that the officer in question was still posted as Member Legal in the FBR despite the ongoing probe.
Pakistan has frequently launched operations against Iranian fuel smuggling in recent years, particularly in border regions where illicit diesel and petrol trade has remained a persistent issue.
Members also expressed concern over the public visibility of alleged smugglers on social media, with Senator Abro remarking that some individuals openly display wealth and influence online despite facing accusations of illegal activity.
