FBR ran an advertisement in newspapers, warning that the PINE brand of cigarettes was being sold on the market without duty payments. PHOTO: FILE
Tax authorities took an unusual step on Friday, threatening retailers with heavy fines and prison sentences unless they stop selling cigarettes smuggled from South Korea.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ran an advertisement in newspapers, warning that the PINE brand of cigarettes was being sold on the market without duty payments and noted the absence of mandatory health and underage sales warnings on its packets.
“Therefore, all those dealing with these cigarettes will have to face legal consequences under the applicable laws, which may include five years imprisonment and a Rs50,000 fine,” the FBR warned.
Asked why the Korean brand alone was being targeted when so many other smuggled cigarettes are sold illegally across Pakistan, a customs official claimed that PINE was the most smuggled cigarette.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2013.
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