Senate panel orders probe into Rs250 million cigarette theft from FBR warehouses

ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and relevant investigation agencies to conduct a thorough probe into the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes from FBR warehouses in Swabi and Mardan, which has resulted in an estimated loss of approximately Rs250 million.

The instructions were issued during a meeting held at Parliament House on Thursday, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro. The committee reviewed the circumstances surrounding the embezzlement and ordered that a detailed investigation report be presented before its next session.

During the proceedings, members of the sub-committee also instructed Pakistan Customs to submit comprehensive records of all confiscated items—including gold, silver, electronics, cigarettes, and narcotics—since 2012. The committee set a deadline of 10 days for the submission of these details.

An FBR member present at the meeting assured the committee that the directives issued in the previous meeting would be implemented. The official further suggested that the case be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further inquiry.

The theft of the cigarette cartons from the FBR godowns in Swabi and Mardan has drawn significant attention due to the large financial impact and the involvement of government storage facilities. The Senate panel's directive aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of confiscated goods.

The committee emphasized the importance of a prompt and comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances of the theft and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The matter will be revisited in the committee's next meeting, where the investigation report is expected to be presented.