RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has cautioned the masses in general and the business community in particular against proliferation of counterfeit notes and urged the government and the State Bank of Pakistan to launch mass drive to combat this menace.

LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid asked the government to take punitive action against anti-state elements involved in counterfeit currency trade as these black sheep are not only playing havoc with the economy but also protecting vested interests of the enemies of Pakistan.

He called for a well designed campaign to educate people about the security features of currency notes.

It is the government that has the resources to curb this menace that is spreading its tentacles like anything and causing undue harm to the already dwindling economy.

He said that the State Bank of Pakistan should provide necessary equipment/machines for detection of fake currency at least at their main branches for their own use as well as for the use of general public free of cost.

The State Bank should also create awareness about the legal provisions regarding penalty and punishment for counterfeiting to forewarn the counterfeiters as to the consequences of committing this crime, he said.

He said that the general public should be encouraged to hand over counterfeit notes that come to their possession to the nearest bank branch/SBP Banking Services Corporation office and to report the incident of counterfeiting to the law enforcement agencies.