In a significant move to combat the illegal cigarette trade and to reinforce tax compliance, the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi, under the guidance and supervision of Chief Commissioner Tehmina Aamer and on the directions of Chief Coordinator IREN Aqeel Ahmed Siddiqui destroyed non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes of a value of Rs. 180 millions. The duty and taxes sought to be evaded amount to Rs. 150 million.

The cigarettes, seized by the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) Squad of RTO Rawalpindi, were confiscated under Rule 29 of the Federal Excise Duty Rules, 2005, and were declared liable for destruction in accordance with Rule 30 of the same rules.

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The destruction has taken place in a secure area in Nakodar, Dina Jhelum that poses no risk to the public. The process has been conducted in the presence Chief Commissioner Tehmina Aamer, Commissioner IR Jhelum Zone Mazhar Iqbal, Additional Commissioner Hq/Regional Coordinator IREN Riaz Khan, Assistant Director Audit Shujaat Ali Khan, media, and official witnesses, ensuring full transparency and accountability. This action has been taken under the legal framework provided by Section 27(1) read with Section 19(10) of the Federal Excise Act, 2005.

This decisive step reflects FBR’s ongoing commitment to eliminate tax evasion and dismantle networks involved in the production and sale of untaxed and counterfeit tobacco products.