A Senate subcommittee on Interior has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take immediate action, including arrests, in the case involving the theft of cigarettes worth over Rs. 250 million from customs warehouses, as lawmakers voiced strong concerns over alleged negligence and possible involvement of officials.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, reviewed the progress of the investigation into the large-scale cigarette theft that has triggered scrutiny of customs and revenue authorities.
FIA officials informed the committee that statements from key smugglers had been obtained and notices were issued on March 25 to individuals linked to the case. Senators, however, expressed dissatisfaction over delays in recording the statement of the private company owner allegedly connected to the incident.
Senator Abro questioned how the inquiry could be completed when critical testimonies remained pending even after 18 days. The committee directed investigators to finalize all outstanding procedural requirements without further delay.
Senator Talha Mahmood called for strict action against officials who fail to cooperate with parliamentary oversight, stressing that absences from committee meetings would not be tolerated. He urged authorities to proceed against Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials who avoid appearing before the panel and suggested summoning senior leadership if required.
The committee also took notice of allegations that a Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue purchased a house shortly after the cigarette theft. Lawmakers directed investigators to obtain the officer’s financial record and verify the money trail as part of the inquiry.
FIA Deputy Director Afzal Niazi briefed the panel that investigators have gathered significant evidence related to Kisan Tobacco and secured records of all vehicles allegedly used during the operation.
The subcommittee ordered that the company owner be arrested if he fails to appear by April 2 and emphasized the recovery of cigarettes worth millions of rupees.
Criticizing bureaucratic conduct, Senator Saifullah Abro said senior officials often hold powerful positions but avoid attending accountability meetings, calling such behavior unacceptable. The committee reaffirmed that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible, regardless of position.
