Tax office destroys over one million counterfeit cigarettes in crackdown on illicit trade

KARACHI: In a major enforcement action against the illicit tobacco trade, the Regional Tax Office-I (RTO-I) Karachi has destroyed 1,070,000 non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of Rs11 million.

The operation was a joint initiative between RTO-I and the Intelligence and Inspection Wing (Inland Revenue), which organised the destruction of the seized goods in Gadap Town. The effort forms part of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) wider campaign to tackle tax evasion.

Speaking at the event, RTO-I officials said that the operation demonstrated the government’s commitment to enforcing tax laws and promoting economic transparency.

They warned that strict action would continue against individuals and entities involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of illegal tobacco products.

They further emphasised that tax evasion in any form would not be tolerated, and that action in accordance with the law would be taken to challenge the culture of tax avoidance and ensure due revenue is collected across all sectors.