Security personnel involved in cross-border smuggling to face court martial

Security personnel involved in ‘cross-border smuggling to face court martial, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced on Monday.

Federal Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti addressing a press conference in Islamabad, acknowledged the involvement of security forces in smuggling activities, stating, “If I say that security forces weren’t involved [in smuggling], it won’t be right as the smuggled items are transported via trucks, not camels.”

Bugti told reporters that Gen Asim Munir had warned military personnel that involvement in illegal cross-border trade would not only result in a court martial but also lead to imprisonment.

“Pakistan’s army chief has told his people very clearly that there won’t only be court-martials, but those involved in such activities would also be sent to jail,” he said.

Federal Caretaker Interior Minister added that the accountability method within the army was not a public affair hence it did not come to the public knowledge.

However, Bugti stated that the army’s accountability system was seen in the aftermath of the May 9 violence.

The interim interior minister also presented a one-month performance review of the Interior Ministry and shared details related to sugar and fertilizer smuggling.

He mentioned the establishment of joint checkposts to prevent smuggling and the deployment of joint security force teams at the provincial borders.

Federal Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s statement follows a similar warning issued by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir, emphasizing that security officials involved in cross-border smuggling would be subject to court martial.