MARDAN: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) enforcement teams have conducted a major raid on a cigarette factory in Mardan, reportedly linked to JUI senior leader Senator Dilawar Khan, seizing cartons of untaxed cigarettes and shutting down operations, officials said.
According to Inland Revenue intelligence sources, the raid followed weeks of discreet monitoring. Officers observed that the facility was producing cigarettes outside the federal tax system. During the operation, authorities recovered 62 cartons of allegedly duty-evaded cigarettes, which they described as “just the tip of the iceberg.”
The enforcement action has reignited discussions about the long-suspected ties between the tax-evading tobacco sector and political influence. Critics have long argued that cigarette manufacturers exploit political connections to bypass regulatory oversight.
Reports suggest that rumors of the impending raid sparked rapid political chatter. However, FBR officials emphasized that the operation proceeded without interference, highlighting a commitment to impartial enforcement. MARDAN: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) enforcement teams have conducted a major raid on a cigarette factory in Mardan, reportedly linked to JUI senior leader Senator Dilawar Khan, demonstrating that authorities are willing to challenge politically sensitive sectors.
After confiscating the cartons, officials sealed the senator’s factory and filed a formal case against its owners. Enforcement authorities described the raid as a rare instance of state authorities taking action against a sector often perceived as protected due to political influence.
Senator Dilawar Khan denied any knowledge or involvement, stating he was not present in the area at the time. Nevertheless, the incident continues to fuel political debate and public discussion about accountability in tax enforcement.
The FBR emphasized that the operation follows last year’s massive crackdown in Azad Jammu & Kashmir targeting illicit tobacco operations. Authorities said this is part of a broader effort to signal that influential figures will no longer be exempt from tax enforcement. MARDAN: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) enforcement teams have conducted a major raid on a cigarette factory in Mardan, reportedly linked to JUI senior leader Senator Dilawar Khan, underscoring the government’s resolve to enforce tax laws uniformly.
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