A recent survey conducted in Islamabad has revealed an alarming situation, showing that 81.01 percent of cigarette brands sold across Pakistan do not carry a tax stamp. The findings point to widespread tax evasion and a deeply rooted illegal distribution network operating parallel to the formal tobacco industry.
According to the survey, only 12.03 percent of cigarette packs carried an official tax stamp, while 6.96 percent of brands were available simultaneously in both taxed and untaxed forms. This highlights the active presence of an unlawful supply chain functioning alongside legally operating companies.
In response, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified its efforts to curb tax evasion. The authority has expanded its team to scrutinize individuals who showcase luxurious lifestyles on social media, aiming to identify cases where declared income does not match visible spending patterns.
