Strict Legal Action to be Taken Against Unregistered Tobacco Purchasers and Dealers: Chairman Pakistan Tobacco Board

Peshawar – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Pakistan Tobacco Board registration has become a serious concern for traders across the country. Chairman Muhammad Shahid Hussain has issued a clear warning to all unregistered buyers, dealers, exporters, and warehouse owners.

He said the rules are simple. Only people who hold valid registration and licenses from the Pakistan Tobacco Board can legally buy, store, move, or trade tobacco.

This rule comes from two key laws. The first is the Pakistan Tobacco Board Ordinance, 1968. The second is the Tobacco Marketing Control Rules, 2016. Both laws set the legal boundaries for tobacco trade in Pakistan.

According to the Chairman, anyone who skips this registration is breaking the law. This applies to individuals, companies, and organizations alike. No exceptions will be made.

He also shared that the board will not act alone. It plans to work closely with district administrations and local law enforcement teams. Together, they aim to catch and stop illegal tobacco trading.

The goal, he explained, is fairness. A transparent system protects everyone involved, especially the growers who depend on tobacco for their income.

Speaking directly to farmers, the Chairman gave a simple piece of advice. Sell only to buyers who are registered and licensed. This one step can save growers from major trouble.

Unregistered buyers often bring risks. Farmers may face payment delays, price fraud, or legal disputes later. Choosing licensed dealers removes most of these dangers.

The Chairman then turned his attention to businesses still operating without proper paperwork. He gave them a clear directive. Register with the Pakistan Tobacco Board before starting any tobacco-related work.

This includes companies, dealers, exporters, and warehouse owners. Anyone found working without registration will face strict legal consequences, he warned.

The message was firm but fair. The board isn’t trying to punish people unfairly. It simply wants everyone to follow the same set of rules.

Chairman Hussain ended his statement with a promise. The Pakistan Tobacco Board will keep working with other departments and institutions. Their shared aim is to protect growers and build trust in the tobacco market.

He stressed that transparency remains the board’s top priority. A fair system benefits farmers, traders, and the wider economy together.

For now, the message to unregistered traders is loud and clear. Get registered, or risk facing the law. The Pakistan Tobacco Board registration process exists to protect the entire industry, not to create obstacles for honest businesses.

Growers, meanwhile, are being reminded to stay alert. Choosing a licensed buyer isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a smart way to protect their hard-earned income and avoid unnecessary risks down the road.