A high-profile advocacy event organized by the ACT Alliance in Peshawar brought together key provincial and local leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges of illicit trade, tax evasion, smuggling, and counterfeiting in Pakistan.The event highlighted the urgent need for decisive government action to counter “the threats to Pakistan’s economy.” MubashirAkram, National Convenor of ACT Alliance, briefed the attendees on the severe economic consequences of these illicit activities, which collective lycost Pakistan’s economy an estimated $100 billion each year.
In attendance were prominent figures from the political spectrum and government bodies,including Muhammad Zubair, Mayor of Peshawar, Bahr Ullah , Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami , Zulqarnain, President of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce , Farhad Khan, President of Ibad,Leader of the Opposition; Malik Liaqat, Population Minister , and Mehrunnisa, former MPA. The leaders expressed deep concern over the scope of these issues and pledged to support more stringent policies to counteract the harmful impacts on Pakistan’s economy.
In his opening remarks, Muhammad Zubair, Mayor of Peshawar, voiced his gratitude to the ACT Alliance for shedding light on the critical economic damage caused by illicit trade. “The insights shared informed us about the staggering economic losses our province and country suffer from illicit trade. It is a wake-up call for us to take immediate action,” he said, calling provincial authorities to partner with federal agencies and industry leaders to tackle these issues effectively.
MubashirAkram provided an in-depth presentation on the scale of the challenge, citing that retail, POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants), real estate, and tobacco sectors are among the most significant contributors to tax evasion Pakistan.
Bahr Ullah, Ameer of Jamaat -e -lslami, spoke passionately about the socio-economic impact of illicit trade on ordinary citizens.
“For too long, we have let this go unchecked,thinking it only affects the wealthy. Today, we see the reality-it impacts us all, eroding our economy, public services, and opportunities for future growth. This fight needs collective social and political action,” he stated.
Zulqarnain, President of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for a focused approach to eradicate counterfeiting and smuggling, particularly in the retail sector,and said that the businesses are being stifled by those who evade taxes and underminelegitimate enterprise.
Farhad Khan, President of ANP, highlighted the provincial government’s role in leading the fight against illicit trade. “We, as representatives of the people, must ensure that policies reflect the seriousness of this issue.
