Minister vows court martial of security officials involved in cross-border smuggling

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that the army chief has issued stern warnings to security personnel involved in cross-border smuggling and they could face court martial.

Speaking at a press conference held in Islamabad on Monday, Bugti said that the army chief had issued stern warnings to security personnel involved in cross-border smuggling and they could face court martial.

Flanked by Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, he stated, “If I say that border security forces weren’t involved in [smuggling], it won’t be right as the [smuggled] items are transported via trucks.”

He further emphasized that those involved in such activities would face not only court-martial but also imprisonment, as per the army chief’s directives.

Bugti explained that the army’s accountability processes were not public affairs but assured that they were visible in the aftermath of the May 9 violence.

He addressed the rising terrorism issue in Pakistan and mentioned that several apex committee meetings were under way to tackle the problem, promising forthcoming changes.

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The interim interior minister also revealed ongoing investigations into the Mastung bombing and other terror incidents, suggesting the involvement of external entities like RAW in previous Balochistan incidents. He affirmed the commitment of Pakistan’s security forces to counter terrorism and called for unity in the society.

Bugti expressed that recent attacks were not unexpected due to Pakistan’s decision to become a “hardened state” in the face of terrorism. He stressed that terrorism was a complex battle but not an impossible one and vowed to fight it.

Regarding poll security, Bugti emphasized the government’s responsibility and discussed meetings with the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure security arrangements.

In response to questions about the return of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Nawaz Sharif, Bugti termed it “encouraging” and clarified that his previous statement regarding Nawaz’s potential arrest upon return had been misinterpreted.

Nawaz Sharif, convicted in corruption cases, is expected to return to Pakistan on October 21 after four years of self-exile.

Bugti acknowledged Nawaz Sharif’s past incarceration but reiterated the government’s commitment to treating all citizens in accordance with the law.