The federal government of Pakistan has announced a comprehensive and firm crackdown targeting non-digitised petrol pumps, hawala and hundi operations, smuggling activities, black money, and the dismantling of the illegal spectrum ecosystem alongside the crime-terror nexus, according to well-informed sources familiar with recent developments. This decision was finalized during a critical meeting of the Federal Steering and Review Committee on Counter Terrorism and the “Harden the State” initiative, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. The session saw active participation from senior officials representing provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities have instructed provincial governments to expedite the completion of capacity-building initiatives for their respective Counter Terrorism Departments (CTDs), with assurances of full support from the Ministry of Interior. In particular, there will be an increase in the deployment of CTD personnel in high-risk areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where terrorist activities have seen an alarming rise. The meeting stressed the importance of ensuring airtight security protocols for CPEC and other non-CPEC projects involving foreign nationals, emphasizing strict adherence to the Ministry of Interior’s standard operating procedures.
Intelligence-based operations against extremist groups such as Fitna-al-Khwarij and other terrorist networks in Balochistan continue to be a focal point, with the committee urging more qualitative action from CTDs in both KP and Balochistan to effectively disrupt terror infrastructures. A key element of the strategy involves engaging religious scholars and local communities to build a counter-terrorism narrative that denies militants any support or sanctuary.
Beyond counter-terrorism, the committee highlighted the pressing need to control illicit economic activities. The Federal Investigation Agency and the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism Authority have been tasked with intensified action against hawala/hundi networks. The meeting further called for stringent regulatory oversight to curb smuggling and the black economy, alongside enhanced efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. Additionally, it recommended stricter regulation of weapon manufacturing to prevent unauthorized production and distribution.
Safe City projects across Pakistan are to be completed within established deadlines, with special emphasis on expediting initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gwadar. Anti-encroachment operations are set to intensify in KP, Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad, while illegal foreigner mapping exercises are being carried out on both provincial and federal levels. NADRA has been directed to swiftly cancel fake CNICs issued to Afghan nationals, with a parallel push to accelerate the repatriation of illegal Afghan residents. Measures are being put in place to prevent their illegal re-entry, supported by data-sharing protocols between NADRA, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.
Further, the evacuation of Afghan refugee camps in KP is underway, with NGOs facilitating such camps facing bans or suspension. The committee reinforced that third-country resettlement of Afghan nationals must align strictly with the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme. The authorities have also instructed provincial governments to take immediate steps against begging through social integration and skill development programs.
Integration of data systems with NADRA is being fast-tracked in KP, Punjab, and Balochistan, with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir also set to enhance their capacities. Standardization of core data fields, real-time CNIC verification, and data validation have been declared mandatory across all provinces, with priority given to resolving outstanding issues.
The committee underscored a zero-tolerance stance toward illegal fuel pumps, directing provinces to expedite the digitisation of petrol stations and submit regular enforcement reports. Under the Petroleum Amendments Act 2025, district administrations have been empowered to act against illegal or smuggled fuel sales, but progress reports from provinces have been lacking.
National Highway Authority was tasked with completing ongoing infrastructure projects within approved timelines and providing monthly updates. The District Coordination Committees forum will be actively utilized to implement the “Harden the State” and counter-terrorism action points effectively.
In closing, the committee emphasized that any Afghan national wishing to remain in Pakistan must hold a valid visa and comply with all legal requirements. Although approximately two million Afghans have been repatriated to date, an estimated two million more remain, necessitating continued federal and provincial efforts for their repatriation. The zero-tolerance approach toward illegal Afghan residents will remain firmly enforced by all relevant authorities.
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