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 Lodges, Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 29th June, 2026

FBR fails to submit required data to the Senate Committee, PID still operates without centralised system   The meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, was held today at Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Senators Mohammad Talha Mahmood, Dilawar Khan, and Hidayat Ullah Khan.   The Sub-Committee reviewed matters relating to tax evasion in the tobacco sector, public awareness campaigns, narcotics control, and enforcement measures taken by relevant departments.   The Press Information Department (PID) briefed the Committee on its media awareness campaigns conducted on behalf of various Ministries and Divisions. It informed the Committee that awareness campaigns are aired through 92 television channels and other media platforms, with all content and expenditures being borne by the sponsoring Ministry or Division. Campaigns regarding the sale of illegal cigarettes were carried out on behalf of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The Convener directed the PID to submit complete details of all media contracts, campaign expenditures, and agreements with television channels.   Javed Iqbal Tarer, Chief Sales Tax, FBR, failed to submit the required data earlier demanded by the Committee which caused hurdles in Committee proceedings. Consequently the officer was asked to leave the meeting.   During the discussion on the tobacco sector, the Committee was informed that Pakistan Tobacco Company and Philip Morris Pakistan are among the major tax-paying tobacco companies. The Convener expressed concern over the lack of information provided by the FBR regarding tax collection from tobacco manufacturers, stating that no comprehensive briefing had been submitted despite repeated directions. The Committee sought complete details of taxes assessed, collected, and pending from the tobacco industry, along with records of all registered tobacco factories over the last 20 years.   The Committee was informed that Rangers had been deployed by the FBR to assist in curbing tax evasion in the tobacco sector. Referring to previous briefings, the Convener observed that while Customs had earlier reported tobacco-related taxes amounting to Rs.75 billion, subsequent deliberations indicated that approximately Rs.40 billion remained outstanding. The Committee directed the FBR to submit documentary evidence regarding the pending taxes, a complete list of tobacco companies and their brands, details of imported raw materials, and revenue and tax collection data spanning the past two decades.   The Committee also directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the corruption case involving Badshah Wazir, particularly concerning raw materials imported for tax-exempt areas that allegedly never reached their intended destinations.   Senator Mohammad Talha Mahmood emphasized that the Committee's proceedings should remain impartial and evidence-based.    The Committee reviewed narcotics control efforts across the country. The Punjab Police submitted a consolidated report covering the last 20 years, including data on narcotics seizures, registered cases, convictions, pending trials, and the disposal of confiscated drugs. The Committee was informed that the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) accounted for approximately 49 percent of the country's total narcotics seizures during the previous year. Officials further noted that drug abuse patterns are shifting from plant-based narcotics to synthetic and chemical drugs. The Committee also discussed the possibility of utilizing confiscated narcotics for pharmaceutical or research purposes, subject to the applicable legal framework, to generate revenue instead of complete destruction.   The DIG South, Karachi Police, briefed the Committee on anti-narcotics operations conducted between 2013 and 2026. He informed the Committee that over 105,000 narcotics cases had been registered and approximately 127,000 suspects arrested during the period. The Committee was also briefed on the status of the high-profile Anmol alias "Pinky" drug trafficking case.   Expressing concern over conflicting accounts presented in previous meetings regarding the arrest of Anmol alias Pinky, the Convener questioned why she had been provided extensive police escort during court appearances and directed law enforcement agencies to investigate her alleged links with influential individuals. The Committee was informed that 28 cases had been registered against her, while 35 delivery riders associated with her narcotics network had been arrested. It was further stated that certain Nigerian nationals residing in Nishtar Colony, Lahore, were allegedly part of her network.   Senator Mohammad Talha Mahmood also sought detailed information from Pakistan Customs regarding imports and exports through the country's borders. He expressed concern over under-invoicing of mining raw materials and requested comprehensive data on trade through the Sost Border, as well as import and export activities with Iran.   At the conclusion of the meeting, the Convener summoned the Inspectors General of Police of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan to attend the next meeting of the Sub-Committee and directed all concerned departments to furnish the information sought before the next session.