Authorities in Gwadar district have enforced an immediate ban on the movement of oil-carrying vehicles, including Zamyad trucks and similar transporters, across routes connecting Jiwani, Paanwaan and Gwadar city. The decision aims to disrupt the growing network of illegal fuel transport operating along the coastal belt. Officials stated that violating vehicles will face strict penalties, including on-the-spot confiscation.
The district administration issued a formal notification warning drivers to avoid travelling toward Jiwani, where most smuggling routes originate. Police, the Pakistan Coast Guard and Frontier Corps have been directed to ensure full enforcement of the ban. Moreover, authorities say increased coordination among security agencies will help curb long-standing smuggling operations.
Read more : Govt allocates over Rs13bn for key Gwadar projects
The latest restrictions come as the government intensifies actions to protect the national exchequer from massive losses linked to Iranian fuel entering Pakistan. Officials highlighted that unchecked smuggling has severely undermined legal fuel markets and reduced government revenue. Additionally, the ban is expected to disrupt organised networks that rely on these transport routes.
Investigations conducted earlier revealed the scale of the problem. A 2020 inquiry estimated the annual value of smuggled Iranian oil at more than Rs250 billion, reflecting the deep financial impact of these illegal operations. Furthermore, intelligence assessments indicate that fuel smuggling has significantly increased in recent years.
Read more : Gwadar port to unlock $850M export boom
A detailed report from April 2024 suggested that nearly 10 million litres of Iranian petrol and diesel enter Pakistan every day, resulting in revenue losses surpassing Rs227 billion. With such alarming figures, officials say the renewed crackdown is essential to stabilise the formal energy sector and strengthen border controls.