In a decisive meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, authorities resolved to take immediate action against the illicit sale of smuggled and illegal cigarettes. The meeting, which included all Deputy Commissioners, Additional Commissioner-I Ghulam Mehdi Shah, officials from the Customs Department, the Anti-Narcotics Force, and representatives from Pakistan Tobacco and Philip Morris, focused on addressing the growing concern over tax losses linked to the illegal cigarette trade. Participants were informed that the country is suffering from substantial tax revenue losses due to the widespread sale of illegal cigarettes. To address this issue, the Karachi administration pledged to play an active role in enforcing relevant laws and curbing the sale of these products in the city.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhanced coordination between Deputy Commissioners, the Customs Department, and the Anti-Narcotics Force to ensure the effective implementation of anti-illegal cigarette measures. Commissioner Naqvi highlighted the dual impact of illegal cigarette sales, which not only contribute to tax evasion but also pose significant health risks. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to tackle this issue, stating that the Karachi administration would fully support and cooperate in these enforcement actions.
