In a determined effort to curb tax evasion and eradicate counterfeit tobacco products, the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi has destroyed illicit cigarettes valued at Rs. 180 million. Acting under the directives of Chief Coordinator IREN Aqeel Ahmed Siddiqui and the supervision of Chief Commissioner Tehmina Aamer, the operation also revealed Rs. 150 million in attempted tax evasion.

The Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) Squad, responsible for the confiscation, seized the non-duty-paid cigarettes under Rule 29 of the Federal Excise Duty Rules, 2005. The items were subsequently declared for destruction in accordance with Rule 30.

The disposal took place in a controlled environment in Nakodar, Dina Jhelum, ensuring no public risk. The process was witnessed by senior officials, including Chief Commissioner Tehmina Aamer, Commissioner IR Jhelum Zone Mazhar Iqbal, and Additional Commissioner Hq/Regional Coordinator IREN Riaz Khan, alongside media representatives and other observers to maintain transparency.

This action highlights FBR’s ongoing commitment to enforcing tax regulations and disrupting networks involved in the unauthorized production and distribution of tobacco products.