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Senate body slams linking members to seizure of smuggled cigarettes

ISLAMABAD: The subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control on Monday strongly condemned what it called a “malicious media campaign” targeting its members following the seizure of 11 trucks allegedly loaded with smuggled cigarettes on the motorway. The meeting, convened by Senator Saifullah Abro at Parliament House, was mandated to scrutinise border security mechanisms, smuggling networks, anti-narcotics controls, and tax evasion, including an estimated $1 billion attributed to the tobacco sector. The convener of the committee noted that after the July 20 meeting discussed the truck seizure, an official press release and handout were circulated the next day on TV channels targeting the committee chairman and members. The committee directed the Member of FBR to personally review the handout issued by his media wing and identify officials responsible. The FIA has also been tasked with conducting a “completely impartial, full-scale inquiry” into TV channels running target­­ed smear campaigns and submit a report. On the seizure of 11 trucks laden with smuggled cigarettes, the committee questioned jurisdiction, stating that Motorway operations fall under the Inland Revenue and not Customs. It raised alarm over “contradictory valuation figures amounting to Rs220 million and ordered owners of the transport and steel company concerned to submit a full report by Monday evening. It also questioned the legal basis of the FIR registered by Customs, noting that 11 truck drivers were arrested and produced in the court after a six-day delay. The inspector who drafted the FIR has been summoned. The Deputy Collector of Customs was directed to explain why political figures present at the site were omitted from the official reporting. The IG of Motorway Police clarified that an MoU exists with Customs only for “operational assistance in stopping suspicious vehicles”. The committee expressed shock that manual consumption certificates are still being issued despite digital policy, and questioned whether physical verification visits are conducted before issuance. It termed details provided on Rs1,120 billion of tax-exempted imports “completely unsatisfactory and incomplete” and ordered a comprehensive breakdown of local market sales against 2025-26 Quota Registration details. The subcommittee reaffirmed its commitment to unearth malpractices across Customs posts, dry ports, and revenue bodies, and directed the FIA to finalise inquiries. Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2026