ISLAMABAD:(Web Desk)- Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani has emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing the “Track and Trace” system in the tobacco sector during a seminar organized on the subject.
The seminar coincided with the release of a report by the Institute for Public Opinion Research on Pakistan’s cigarette market. The report revealed alarming trends: the number of smuggled cigarette brands in Pakistan has risen by 34, reaching a total of 320.
Brands not complying with legal regulations have surged by 61 percent to 455. The study also highlighted that the minimum legal price for a cigarette pack in Pakistan is Rs. 162, yet 392 illegal brands are selling packs below this price.
Worryingly, cigarettes are being sold widely at Rs. 50 per pack, while 195 brands are priced between Rs. 131 and Rs. 160.
Addressing the seminar, Bilal Azhar Kiani stated that the government will intensify crackdowns against illegal cigarette brands and focus on enforcing regulations in the tobacco retail market.
He clarified that action will not be taken against retailers selling legal brands. Non-compliant brands will be brought within the legal framework, and monitoring and enforcement in the sector will be enhanced.
Read More: Corruption Draining Rs. 1 Trillion Annually: Finance Minister
The minister also noted that retail outlets fall under the jurisdiction of provincial governments, which now have powers to take action against sellers of illegal cigarettes.
Warehouses and transportation channels of the tobacco sector are also being monitored. Strengthening enforcement is expected to improve compliance with laws and increase revenue.
In a related initiative, the government is promoting a cashless economy. Executive orders have made QR codes mandatory in Islamabad and provincial regions, requiring every retail outlet to provide at least one digital payment option.
All retailers and merchants have been instructed to adopt digital payment methods. Federal and provincial authorities are working on legislation to support this initiative, which aims to formalize the economy and strengthen the “Cashless Pakistan” program.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.