ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Muhammad Ameen, Chairman of the Fair Trade in Tobacco (FTT), has praised the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his firm economic leadership and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for its effective enforcement drive across key industries. Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, he emphasized that the FBR’s dedication to strengthening the tax base and ensuring compliance is a national service that directly contributes to Pakistan’s stability and growth.
Ameen noted that Pakistan has demonstrated resilience in recent years under the current government’s stewardship, with structural reforms bringing in new levels of accountability, efficiency, and transparency. He lauded the Prime Minister for steering Pakistan’s economy through difficult times, creating confidence among domestic businesses and foreign investors alike. “The Government’s consistent commitment to fiscal reforms is stabilizing the economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the years ahead,” he said.
He also commended the FBR for deploying modern systems, enhancing enforcement, and ensuring that legitimate businesses pay their due share of taxes. “The work of FBR officers is commendable. They are at the forefront of protecting Pakistan’s economic lifeline by ensuring tax compliance and discouraging tax evasion,” he remarked.
At the same time, the FTT Chairman expressed concern over the persistent problem of cigarette smuggling and the illicit sale of non-duty-paid brands across the country.
He pointed out that while the FBR has made significant strides in enforcement, “the illegal cigarette mafia continues to exploit gaps in smaller cities, rural markets, and town centers.” “Every year, Pakistan loses nearly Rs. 400 billion due to the scourge of illegal cigarettes. This loss deprives the government of vital resources that could otherwise fund schools, hospitals, roads, and energy projects,” he stressed.
Ameen underlined that while legal tobacco companies contribute hundreds of billions of rupees annually to the national exchequer, illegal operators neither pay taxes nor comply with laws such as the Track and Trace system, the Minimum Price regulation, and the Graphical Health Warning requirements. He described their conduct as “an organized assault on Pakistan’s economy,” adding that such actors must be held accountable under the law.
He urged continued vigilance and sustained year-round action against smugglers, wholesalers, and retailers of illegal cigarettes. “The government and its institutions have shown the unshakeable commitment to enforce laws in recent months, and this resolve must be carried forward. The illegal cigarette mafia must not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s fiscal health or the sacrifices of honest taxpayers,” he said.
The FTT Chairman reiterated his platform’s support for the government in building a fair, transparent, and rules-based tobacco trade. He emphasized that farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers all benefit when regulations are applied equally and consistently. “The goal is simple: Pakistan must ensure that its economy is not looted by those who profit unlawfully at the expense of the nation,” he concluded.
