FBR Seizes Illegal Cigarettes, Seals Mardan Factory Despite Political Pressure

MARDAN: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has seized 62 cartons of illegal cigarettes and sealed a cigarette factory in Mardan during a raid.

According to FBR sources, the Inland Revenue team conducted a raid at the cigarette factory, where the confiscated stock was found to be untaxed. The factory has been sealed, and legal action has been initiated against its owners.

Local sources claimed that the sealed factory belongs to Senator Dilawar Khan. Despite political pressure, the FBR carried out the operation in accordance with regulations.

Read more: FBR Moves to Track Undocumented Cotton Bales with Video Surveillance System

FBR sources stated that under the Prime Minister’s directives, operations against illegal cigarette manufacturing are ongoing, and no political influence is being tolerated. They added that illegal cigarette trade costs Pakistan’s national treasury between PKR 25 to 30 billion annually. The production of untaxed cigarettes has been increasing, posing a serious challenge to the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, Senator Dilawar Khan told a private news channel that he was not in the village and had no knowledge of the raid on his factory.