**ISLAMABAD, Pakistan** – Customs Enforcement in Sargodha has achieved a significant breakthrough, seizing smuggled goods valued at over PKR 119 million in a series of targeted operations. The crackdown, detailed in a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) statement, highlights a nationwide effort to combat illicit trade and uphold economic security.
The seized items include 584 foreign-origin mobile phones, collectively worth more than PKR 72.4 million. Authorities also impounded a non-customs paid vehicle valued at PKR 6.7 million. Further operations by the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) in Mianwali resulted in the confiscation of foreign shisha, betel nuts (chalia), naswar, and cigarettes, with an estimated market value of nearly PKR 28 million. Separately, the ASO in Faisalabad intercepted a consignment of smuggled walnuts exceeding PKR 10 million in value. Legal proceedings under the Customs Act 1969 have commenced for all confiscated goods. Rangers officials indicated that many smuggled mobile phones were being transported from Balochistan in hidden compartments.
**Law Enforcement and Public Safety Updates**
Across the country, law enforcement agencies are grappling with various criminal activities. Intelligence-led operations, supported by technical evidence, led to actions against extortion groups, specifically targeting Wasiullah Lakho and Abdul Samad Kathiawari. In Karachi, police arrested multiple individuals, including Jawad Qadri and Shahzeb Mullah, for alleged involvement in extortion rackets.
Meanwhile, Karachi police are investigating the discovery of a body at Jinnah International Airport’s Jinnah Terminal, identified as a station manager for a foreign airline. In Orangi Town, Sector 11.5, police confirmed the discovery of a missing woman’s body. Separately, Islamabad’s judicial system saw a written reconciliation order issued in a hit-and-run case that resulted in the deaths of two scooty riders, Samreen Hussain and Tabinda Batool. In a positive development for public safety, data from the “15” helpline indicates a 28% reduction in crime-related calls. However, a robbery was reported in Kot Samaba, where robbers fled with PKR 600,000 from a citizen.
**Political Statements and Governance Initiatives**
Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah reiterated that “matters are proceeding according to the will of Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the founder of PTI,” a statement made repeatedly. The FBR affirmed a commitment to Pakistan’s security and stability, declaring no compromise would be made. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) officially rejected propaganda disseminated by specific political elements.
A summary highlighted ongoing threats of bomb blasts and targeted attacks, noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police still lack additional financial incentives despite challenging conditions. On the economic front, Bilal bin Saqib announced a significant step towards institutional change, opening a structured, transparent, and globally standardized pathway for international exchanges, marking a new era of thinking.
**Infrastructure, Elections, and Miscellaneous News**
Heavy snowfall has impacted transportation, leading to the closure of Motorway M-1 from Peshawar to Rashakai, as announced by Motorway Police. Authorities also warned of traffic disruptions and potential road closures on mountainous routes.
In electoral news, polling continued without interruption until 5 PM. Out of 178 polling stations, 84 were declared sensitive, and 54 highly sensitive, underscoring security concerns.
In the realm of international entertainment, WWE superstar John Cena symbolically left his shoes, armbands, and wristbands in the ring, sparking retirement rumors. Domestically, Pakistan’s reality show ‘La Azwal Ishq,’ similar to the British ‘Love Island,’ was removed from YouTube in Pakistan after 50 episodes. Internationally, England’s security staff reportedly clashed with local media representatives in Brisbane and Adelaide. Lastly, Pakistani actress Hania Aamir continues to draw public attention amid rumors of cosmetic procedures, despite her natural beauty.
