ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that field offices of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been sensitised to prioritise action against illegal foreign currency operators and hawala-hundi dealers to curb unlawful foreign exchange trade.
In a written reply to a question by Shazia Marri on the steps taken to curb illegal foreign currency trade and smuggling, along with details of raids, arrests and convictions since January 2025, the ministry stated that while smuggling primarily falls under the mandate of Pakistan Customs, FIA staff posted at immigration check-posts have been directed to remain vigilant to counter such activities. Providing details of enforcement actions since January 2025, the ministry informed the House that 551 raids were conducted, 576 cases registered, 703 accused arrested and 324 cases resulted in convictions.
In another written reply to a question by Sher Afzal Khan regarding alleged encroachments on green areas by hotels on the Islamabad Club Road, the Interior Ministry stated that a total of 10 hotels and motels are located along Islamabad Club Road/Murree Road. It said these establishments had developed illegal parking areas on the green belt within the right-of-way of the road. The ministry stated that illegal parking areas and encroachments were demolished with the assistance of the Enforcement Directorate of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on August 6, 2024. Challans for construction of illegal parking and encroachments have also been filed in the court of the senior special magistrate, CDA, for proceedings against the hotels and motels under the relevant rules.
In a separate written reply to a question by Syeda Amnah Batool, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif informed the National Assembly that Pakistan launched its first Hyper-Spectral Satellite (HS-I) on October 19, 2025. He said the HS-I satellite is currently undergoing the In-Orbit Testing (IOT) phase, with image data expected to be available to user organisations by the end of January 2026. A comprehensive national utilization framework for civilian applications in agriculture, environment and disaster management is being progressively implemented.
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