DLP Report
GILGIT
Chairman of the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB), Muhammad Shahid Hussain, personally led an enforcement operation in Gilgit after receiving reports of the illegal transportation of tobacco from Mansehra to Gilgit-Baltistan via the Babusar Top–Chilas route.
Acting on the information, the PTB chairman, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Jaglot Waseem, the Director PTB and other officials, conducted a surprise raid on an illegal cigarette manufacturing unit and a tobacco warehouse in the Jaglot area.
During the operation, authorities seized a complete cigarette manufacturing line, including machinery, equipment, raw materials and other production-related items. Thousands of kilograms of processed tobacco were also recovered from the warehouse, while records found at the premises were examined.
On the directions of the PTB chairman, the Assistant Commissioner Jaglot sealed both the illegal cigarette factory and the tobacco warehouse. Legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in the illegal operation.
Later, Muhammad Shahid Hussain met Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary and briefed him on the illegal transportation, storage and manufacturing of tobacco and cigarettes. He requested that deputy commissioners in Chilas, Gilgit and other districts bordering Mansehra be directed to identify illegal tobacco warehouses and ensure strict legal action against those engaged in unlawful tobacco trade.
Speaking on the occasion, the PTB chairman said certain elements purchase tobacco from growers through middlemen at unfairly low prices, illegally stockpile it and use it to manufacture illicit cigarettes for substantial unlawful profits. He said such activities not only cause heavy losses to the national exchequer but also deprive tobacco growers of their rightful income.
Muhammad Shahid Hussain reaffirmed that the Pakistan Tobacco Board is committed to protecting the rights of tobacco growers and preventing their exploitation. He said dealers would not be allowed to purchase tobacco at unfair prices and that strict legal action would continue against those involved in illegal cigarette manufacturing, unlawful tobacco storage and other violations of tobacco laws.
He further emphasized that the PTB would continue working closely with provincial and district administrations to ensure that the purchase, transportation, storage and trade of tobacco are conducted in accordance with the law, while curbing illegal tobacco trade, safeguarding growers’ interests and protecting the national economy.
