Brig. (retd) Aslam Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW), said on Monday that the operation against hoarders and smugglers of dollars, oil, sugar, and urea is commendable, but it needs to be accelerated. If the influential mafia is not eliminated this time, it will destroy the country, he said, adding that the people do not want elections but food and some relief. He said in a statement today that India has become the fifth-largest power in the world. In contrast, Pakistan has become the fifth largest borrower, and according to the IMF, Pakistan will soon become the fourth largest borrower.

He said that after the crackdown against the criminal currency mafia, people are buying gold, so its trade should be regularised because 100% of the gold in Pakistan is smuggled, so no tax is collected from the jewellers.

Almost every politician, every organisation, and people from every sphere of life have contributed to the destruction of the economy. Still, the situation has become very dangerous, and he observed that inaction or half-hearted action will result in regrets.

Aslam Khan said that the ruling elite is behind every crisis in the country, but they are never held accountable. India and Bangladesh were already far ahead of Pakistan, but now the conditions in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Afghanistan are much better.

Aslam Khan said that the price of sugar and the dollar’s value have decreased significantly due to monitoring at the borders and action within the country. Still, all the criminals must be brought to justice to improve the confidence of the masses and the business community.

The action against stockpiling, smuggling, and corruption should not be temporary. Still, it should be a continuous process, while currency dealers and oil smugglers should be an example to improve the economic conditions and the people bring food to the table.

If this does not happen, it will be the beginning of another disaster, which will be unfortunate, he warned.