PM AJK Draws Red Line: Crackdown on Illegal Cigarette Manufacturing AJK Begins

Muzaffarabad – (Web Desk) – Fresh developments in Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing battle against illegal cigarette manufacturing have triggered a major administrative reshuffle, with the removal of a senior revenue official amid growing scrutiny over the government’s anti-illicit trade policy.

According to official sources, the AJK government has removed Choudhary Abdul Rehman from the post of Secretary Inland Revenue and appointed Younis Mir as the new Secretary Inland Revenue. The move comes at a time when few illegal cigarette manufacturing units were reopened ignoring strict orders from PM, AJK.

Government sources indicate that Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore is very much angry on the non compliance of his orders against illegal cigarette manufacturing and has directed authorities to ensure full implementation of enforcement measures.

The latest administrative changes are being viewed in official circles as part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight and reinforce the government’s policy framework against illicit cigarette operations. Sources suggest the Prime Minister has expressed concern over what was perceived as inadequate implementation of policy decisions relating to illegal manufacturing units.

In another recent development, the Prime Minister reportedly intervened to cancel the proposed posting of Choudhary Azhar as Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue, Mirpur Circle, a move that also drew attention within bureaucratic and political circles.

Observers believe the recent decisions signal an increasingly aggressive approach by the PM, AJK toward illegal cigarette manufacturing and any alleged facilitation networks linked to the sector.

Prime Minister’s position remains firm: no individual or institution found facilitating illegal cigarette manufacturing will be allowed to operate beyond the reach of accountability.

The latest developments are expected to have significant implications for the ongoing campaign against illicit cigarette production and revenue leakages in AJK.