Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter) 

Chairman FBR, Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, and under the direct supervision of Member Inland Revenue (Operations), Mr. Mir Badshah Khan Wazir, FBR’s IR Field Formations conducted a nationwide crackdown on counterfeit and non-stamped cigarettes. During this operation, they seized 1,235 Packerites of cigarettes valued at approximately Rs. 96 million. Additionally, 33 retail outlets involved in illicit tobacco trade were sealed out of the 4,652 visited nationwide.

A total of 204 teams, comprising 1,047 personnel, participated in this enforcement drive to combat the movement of illicit cigarettes. Chairman FBR, Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, and Member Inland Revenue (Operations), Mr. Mir Badshah Khan Wazir, commended the efforts of IR field formations involved in the operation. Despite limited resources, the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network remains dedicated to eradicating the menace of illicit tobacco trade.

It has been decided that individuals involved in illicit tobacco trade and revenue evasion will face stringent penalties under relevant regulations. Repeat offenders are likely to face arrest in the next phase of enforcement.