MARDAN: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) conducted a significant operation in Mardan against an illegal cigarette factory, seizing its machinery.
The operation targeted a clandestine facility run by Universal Tobacco Company (Private) Limited, which had been secretly operating an undeclared production plant.
The confiscated machinery has an estimated daily production capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 kilograms of tobacco. If used for cigarette production, this could have generated daily revenue of approximately PKR 45 million.
The seized equipment was specifically used for the illegal manufacture of tobacco products. Legal proceedings against the company have been initiated following the seizure.
The Chief Commissioner and the enforcement team successfully executed the operation without any external pressure, highlighting the FBR’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting national revenue.
FBR is actively working to eliminate illegal tobacco production and ensure the strict enforcement of tax regulations. In line with the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, 120 Pakistan Rangers have been deployed to combat illegal cigarette trade, and special monitors have been appointed under the Sales Tax Act of 1990 and the Federal Excise Act of 2005.
Authorities emphasized that such actions are crucial in the ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal tobacco production in the country.
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