Press Release Title: Senator Saifullah Abro, Convener Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House, Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 30th March, 2026

In fact, this is a case of tax evasion, not cigarette theft. A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control was held under the convenorship of Senator Saifullah Abro. The meeting was attended by Member Committee Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood and Umer Farooq. The Sub-Committee deliberated on the matter regarding the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes from the godowns of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Swabi and Mardan. Senator Saifullah Abro expressed serious concerns over the performance of Pakistan Customs, particularly regarding the lack of effective checks and balances on sales from tax-free zones in the erstwhile FATA region. He observed that certain business entities had established factories in these zones but, instead of benefiting the local underprivileged communities, were distributing their products across the country. Officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) informed the Committee that the security guard of the warehouse had been interrogated; however, he denied all allegations and claimed that he was never in possession of the keys. The FIA further disclosed that the warehouse in-charge had not been formally deputed by the department, terming it a serious lapse. Senator Abro directed the authorities to provide documentation regarding the import of machinery by Paramount Tobacco Company. The FBR (RTO Peshawar) informed the Committee that the company had declared the value of its machinery at Rs. 3.5 million in its 2018 returns, adding that such companies often procure second-hand machinery and refurbish it for operational use. The Sub-Committee expressed dissatisfaction over the incomplete information provided by the FIA. The agency assured that comprehensive details would be furnished in the next meeting. The Chairman Sub-Committee also raised concerns over delays in the submission of statements from Paramount Tobacco Company. FIA officials informed that although the company’s owner had been summoned, he had filed a petition in the High Court, alleging harassment by the agency. Senator Abro directed that individuals who fail to appear before the FIA after being summoned should be arrested after seven days, in accordance with the law. A Member of the FBR emphasized that identifying the ultimate beneficiaries of the stolen cigarette cartons would significantly aid in resolving the case. Pakistan Customs apprised the Committee of the measures taken to curb smuggling in the country, while noting that a significant proportion of smuggling incidents occur in Balochistan. The Committee directed Pakistan Customs to submit comprehensive details of seized items lying in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan from 2012 to date. It also sought details of beneficiaries involved in the smuggling of goods during the same period.   The Chairman Sub-Committee further expressed concern over the sale of goods at inflated prices in tax-exempt areas such as Malakand and the former FATA region. He reiterated that such concessions were intended to support local and underprivileged communities; however, industrial units were exploiting these incentives by distributing goods nationwide instead of limiting their benefits to the designated areas.