Illegal cigarette trade: FBR urged to ensure prosecution

ACT Alliance Pakistan has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to pursue court cases against people implicated in illicit cigarette sales, arguing that seizures alone do not establish accountability. Business Recorder reported that the group welcomed stepped-up enforcement in 2026, while urging investigators to build cases and seek penalties when evidence supports prosecution.

A review cited by the alliance found 675 FBR enforcement raids connected to tobacco activities, including raw tobacco, between January 1 and August 31, 2026. It also identified at least four reported cases involving cigarette production, machinery breaches or restricted inputs, but found no confirmed convictions and said the cases were not a nationwide count. The alliance estimates that illegal sellers account for more than 50 percent of a cigarette market exceeding 80 billion sticks a year, and says this weakens compliant producers and investor confidence.