ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has appreciated role of Pakistan Coast Guard (PCG) in seizing large quantity of narcotics, apprehending illegal immigrants and limiting smuggling of Iranian diesel and petrol in coastal areas.
According to a press statement issued here on Thursday by the Interior Ministry, the minister observed that “significant improvement has been witnessed in operational capability and output of Coast Guards since the new Director General took over the charge”.
Pakistan Coast Gaurd apprehended 1493 illegal immigrants in last eight months. From March 2016 June 2016, a total 367 illegal migrants were arrested by the PCG, the release mentioned.
According to details given in the press statement regarding arrest of various national including from Afghanistan, Iran, and Bangladesh.
Among those arrested from March onwards were 274 Pakistani nationals, 79 Afghans, 10 Iranians and four Bangladeshi citizens.
The PCG’s robust operations in coastal bordering areas have helped the agency to deposit a total of Rs 8.095 million to national exchequer during the last eight months.
It is worth mentioning that diesel and petrol smuggling has also been under close watch of the PCG alongside Pak-Iran border.
Almost 38,000 litres of smuggled Iranian diesel and petrol including vehicles and speed boats were also seized by the PCG.
The operations of PCG against smuggled diesel and petrol along with seizure of vehicles and speed boats have helped the state treasury with a generation of Rs 6.554 million.
An amount of Rs 1.102 million was also generated from the seizure of anti-smuggling drive of PCG in which smuggled goods were seized by coastal guards.
From March to May 20, 2016, the PCG has also seized narcotics including 444 kg opium and 1606 kg of hashish along with four vehicles smuggling the narcotics in coastal areas.
