MULTAN:On the directives of Punjab government, the Excise and Taxation department, Multan Division, has launched a major crackdown on non-customs-paid and counterfeit cigarettes in Khanewal, seizing approximately 115,000 packets worth an estimated Rs25 million.
According to Excise spokesperson, the raids were conducted on the instructions of Director Excise and Taxation Multan Division Iftikhar Ahmad Bhalli. Excise and Taxation Officer Khanewal Naveed Naseem Chaudhry, along with his team raided warehouses located at Istabal Chowk and Sham Kot, recovering a large quantity of counterfeit-brand and non-customs-paid cigarettes.
The operation continued for two days. Officials said the seized consignment could have caused substantial losses to the national exchequer through tax evasion. The confiscated cigarettes were handed over to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Khanewal, for further legal proceedings.
Director Excise and Taxation Multan Division Iftikhar Ahmad Bhalli appreciated the performance of Excise Officer Naveed Naseem Chaudhry and his team for the successful operation.
He said indiscriminate action against those involved in the manufacture, storage and sale of counterfeit and non-customs-paid cigarettes would continue to prevent tax evasion and safeguard the national exchequer.