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Enforcement on Illicit Cigarette trade in Pakistan compared to European standards
ISLAMABAD, ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN, May 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Enforcement Against Illicit Cigarette Trade in Pakistan Shows Increased Activity
Ahmad Abdullah, spokesperson for Stop Illegal Trade (SIT), on Tuesday highlighted recent enforcement measures targeting the illicit cigarette trade in Pakistan, describing the issue as a significant challenge for the tobacco sector and national revenue collection.
According to Abdullah, enforcement actions undertaken by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and provincial authorities during 2025–26 have resulted in large-scale confiscations of non-duty-paid cigarettes and raw materials. He stated that seizures during the period amounted to an estimated 17 billion cigarette sticks.
He said authorities have increased efforts related to upstream monitoring, inspections and enforcement operations aimed at curbing the circulation of untaxed tobacco products in the market. Provincial governments have also conducted retail-level operations in multiple distribution hubs where non-tax-paid cigarettes continue to be available.
Speaking at a local event, Abdullah said enforcement measures in Pakistan reflect approaches adopted in several international markets, including Italy, Belgium, Poland, the United Kingdom and Romania, where regulatory authorities have implemented anti-illicit trade frameworks and monitoring systems.
He further stated that officials have publicly referenced revenue losses linked to tax evasion in the tobacco sector, with estimates reaching approximately Rs300 billion annually.
Abdullah urged continued coordination among federal and provincial authorities, including law enforcement agencies and tax bodies, to support ongoing efforts against illicit trade in the tobacco sector.
Ahmad Abdullah, spokesperson for Stop Illegal Trade (SIT), on Tuesday highlighted recent enforcement measures targeting the illicit cigarette trade in Pakistan, describing the issue as a significant challenge for the tobacco sector and national revenue collection.
According to Abdullah, enforcement actions undertaken by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and provincial authorities during 2025–26 have resulted in large-scale confiscations of non-duty-paid cigarettes and raw materials. He stated that seizures during the period amounted to an estimated 17 billion cigarette sticks.
He said authorities have increased efforts related to upstream monitoring, inspections and enforcement operations aimed at curbing the circulation of untaxed tobacco products in the market. Provincial governments have also conducted retail-level operations in multiple distribution hubs where non-tax-paid cigarettes continue to be available.
Speaking at a local event, Abdullah said enforcement measures in Pakistan reflect approaches adopted in several international markets, including Italy, Belgium, Poland, the United Kingdom and Romania, where regulatory authorities have implemented anti-illicit trade frameworks and monitoring systems.
He further stated that officials have publicly referenced revenue losses linked to tax evasion in the tobacco sector, with estimates reaching approximately Rs300 billion annually.
Abdullah urged continued coordination among federal and provincial authorities, including law enforcement agencies and tax bodies, to support ongoing efforts against illicit trade in the tobacco sector.
Ahmed Abdullah
Stop Illegal Trade
ahmed.abdullah@stopillegaltrade.pk
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