Karachi administration vows to play role in curbing sale of smuggled cigarettes

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi held a meeting on Wednesday to take priority measures to curb the illicit sale of smuggled and illegal cigarettes.

All deputy commissioners, Additional Commissioner-I Ghulam Mehdi Shah, officers from the Customs Department and Anti-Narcotics Force, representatives of Pakistan Tobacco, Philip Morris, and other stakeholders attended the meeting.

It was highlighted that the country is facing significant tax losses due to the illicit sale of cigarettes. The meeting resolved that the administration would play its role in curbing the sale of illegal cigarettes in the city and help ensure the effective implementation of relevant laws.

It was also decided that the deputy commissioners would closely coordinate with the Customs Department and the Anti-Narcotics Force.

The commissioner said that illegal cigarette sales are leading to tax evasion and health issues in the country, and coordinated efforts are essential to curb this issue. He emphasized that the Karachi administration would fully cooperate in these efforts.