Islamabad: A Senate Sub-Committee has intensified its investigation into the theft of 2,2 cartons of cigarettes from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) storage facilities in Swabi and Mardan, directing the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to broaden its inquiry. The meeting, led by Senator Saifullah Abro, was held at Parliament House and was also attended by Senator Umer Farooq to determine accountability for the theft.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the Sub-Committee received a comprehensive briefing from the FIA investigation team on the current status of the inquiry. The committee was informed that statements from 20 relevant officers and officials have been recorded. Additionally, it was disclosed that 1,262 cartons of the missing stock belong to the Kissan Tobacco brand of Paramount Tobacco Company, while efforts continue to ascertain the ownership of the remaining cartons.
Members of the Sub-Committee conveyed concerns regarding the FBR’s handling of the incident. The convenor instructed the FIA investigation team to record statements from the Regional Tax Office, Chief Commissioner, and Member (Tobacco) who were in office during the theft. The Sub-Committee also referenced past inquiries against the Member (Tobacco) during his tenure in Lahore and urged the FIA to include all relevant FBR personnel in the investigation. It further recommended an examination of the assets of the concerned officers.
During the meeting, a Member of the FBR suggested that the investigation should also explore potential involvement of a tobacco cartel or other networks, noting that the tobacco company’s factory and valuable machinery had been seized as evidence in a tax evasion case. The convenor directed the FIA to explore this dimension as well.
Senator Saifullah Abro emphasized the importance of parliamentary oversight, stating that Senate Standing Committees are essential for scrutinizing national issues. The Sub-Committee also instructed the FIA to analyze recent petroleum price increases to identify any beneficiaries of the higher prices. The FIA team was further directed to inspect the godowns where the theft occurred.
The FIA also presented the bank transaction history of the alleged tobacco company during the briefing. Committee members questioned the recording of financial transactions during 2024-25, given that the factory had been sealed since 2024. The convenor directed the FIA to verify the transaction details anew.
The Sub-Committee was informed that the FBR has implemented protocols to safeguard its storage facilities. However, the convenor pressed the FIA to expedite the inquiry into the cigarette theft case. The meeting also discussed related issues, including the use of non-custom-paid vehicles, import of raw materials into tax-exempt regions of FATA and PATA, and smuggling of Iranian oil in Balochistan. The Sub-Committee urged the FBR to enhance monitoring in these areas, noting their growing role as smuggling hubs.
The Sub-Committee directed the FBR to provide detailed data on raw material imports into tax-exempt areas, while the FIA was tasked with acquiring relevant data from the Petroleum Division concerning the entry of Iranian oil into Balochistan.