Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has said that the government’s recent crackdown against illegal activities would continue to rid the country of economic losses.

“Law enforcement actions against a spectrum of illegal activities will continue with full force in collaboration with the LEAs and the government departments concerned to rid Pakistan from the substantial economic losses it continues to suffer due to pilferage done by different methods,” he was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the military’s media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations statement said that the army chief visited Lahore on Thursday and attended a meeting of the provincial apex committee along with caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

Upon arrival, the army chief was received by the Lahore Corps commander.

Officials briefed the army chief on the overall security situation, including law enforcement actions against electricity and gas theft, hoarding, and foreign currency smuggling. They also spoke about the measures taken for the protection of minorities and the progress of operations in the riverine, locally known as the Kacha, area.

Last month, the government started cracking down on illegal money exchangers and dollar smugglers amid the freefall of the rupee against the dollar. The interim setup claims that the countermeasure has contributed to the rupee’s appreciation.

The forum also reviewed the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals.

Officials apprised the COAS of progress on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) – a hybrid civil-military forum – and Green Punjab initiatives.

The SIFC was formed by the previous government to attract Gulf investments in agriculture, IT, mining, and defence production.

COAS Munir stressed the need for synergy among all relevant departments for the gainful effects of the landmark initiatives. Earlier this month, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar told journalists that Saudi Arabia would invest up to $25 billion in Pakistan over the next two to five years in various sectors.

“The participants affirmed that state institutions, government departments, and people are united for the progress and prosperity of the province,” said the statement.