ISLAMABAD: ACT Alliance Pakistan has alleged that an organized cross-border network is smuggling popular cigarette brands into Pakistan, causing significant tax losses and raising concerns about illicit financial flows and national security.
The claims were made in a press release issued by the organization, which called on federal and provincial authorities to investigate the alleged network. The allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response from the companies or individuals named in the statement was immediately available.
Allegations Over Smuggled Cigarette Brands
According to ACT Alliance Pakistan, the cigarette brands Milano and Mond are allegedly manufactured by Afghanistan-based Gulbahar Tobacco Company, which the organization claims is owned by the Habibi family of Jalalabad.
The organization further alleged that the company operates manufacturing facilities in Dubai and Russia and has business interests in sectors including tobacco, hospitality, real estate, energy and infrastructure.
Claims of Smuggling and Money Laundering
ACT Alliance Pakistan alleged that the cigarettes are smuggled into Pakistan through routes in Balochistan before being distributed to markets across the country.
The organization also claimed that the products are sometimes transported alongside legitimate commercial goods to avoid detection and alleged that proceeds from the illegal trade are transferred to Afghanistan through money-laundering channels.
These allegations have not been substantiated by law enforcement agencies or independently verified.
Calls for Investigation
ACT Alliance Pakistan urged Pakistan Customs, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, and other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged smuggling network.
The organization also called for action against those allegedly involved in the distribution of smuggled cigarettes and the dismantling of any suspected money-laundering channels.
As of publication, no official statement had been issued by the Gulbahar Group, the Habibi family, or Pakistani authorities in response to the allegations.
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