Islamabad (Qasim Jamshed) – The sale of non-custom-paid counterfeit cigarettes continues in Tarnol, Sangjani, and adjoining areas, causing the government a loss of millions in tax revenue. This not only results in significant financial losses for the government but also negatively impacts multinational companies. These substandard cigarettes are smuggled from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions, while relevant authorities, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), turn a blind eye to the issue.
Despite carrying the government-approved pictorial and written health warnings, the illegal sale of cigarettes is harming the national economy and exacerbating public health issues. The failure to curb this illegal trade is attributed to the lack of checks and balances by the tobacco industry, FBR, and Islamabad administration.
A large number of children, students, and even women have become addicted to smoking. Citizens emphasize the urgent need for the government to
