Peshawar, In a robust two-day campaign, teams from the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) in Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot have seized over 679,000 packerites, equating to approximately 15,580,000 sticks of non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes, including brands such as Business Royal, H and P, Platinum, Milano, and Olympic. The value of the confiscated items is estimated to be over PKR 140 Million.

According to Federal Board of Revenue, the IREN’s operation conducted on the 14th and 15th of February, 2024, was aimed at clamping down on the sale and distribution of illegal tobacco products in various localities. The campaign reflects the ongoing efforts to combat tax evasion and protect the local market from counterfeit goods, which has become a significant concern for authorities.

The crackdown not only represents a significant blow to illicit cigarette traffickers but also underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing tax laws and regulations. This intervention by IREN is part of broader measures to safeguard the fiscal interests of Pakistan and to ensure that legitimate businesses are not undermined by unlawful activities.