AJK Authorities Intensify Efforts to Curb Cigarette Smuggling Ahead of Eid Holidays

Muzaffarabad: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has ramped up efforts to prevent the smuggling of non-duty paid cigarettes into Pakistan, particularly during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. Sources indicate that smugglers have been planning to use the festive period to illegally transport cigarettes from Mirpur and Bhimber into Pakistan.

To counter this, the AJK government has enforced Section 144 from March 31 to April 2, effectively banning unlawful activities during the holidays. The Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Muhammad Ali Asghar, has taken proactive steps to ensure strict monitoring and increased vigilance at key points to prevent illegal transportation of raw tobacco and tobacco products.

Excise officials reported that earlier, with the assistance of local police, AJK Inland Revenue and Excise Department intercepted an attempt to smuggle non-duty paid cigarettes worth millions of rupees. The excise mobile squad in Bhimber stopped a suspicious vehicle, a Loader Ford Wagon (registration number J-4796), which was carrying 70 cartons of Kisan brand cigarettes without the required legal documents. The driver claimed that the cigarettes were loaded at the National Tobacco Factory in Bhimber and were headed to Nowshera Virkan.

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Following the investigation, legal action was initiated against the cigarette manufacturer, and the factory premises were sealed. To further prevent any smuggling activities, Section 144 has been enforced, and authorities are maintaining a strong presence in the region to stop any unlawful transportation of cigarettes from Mirpur and Bhimber to Pakistan.