LAHORE: All Pakistan Cigarettes Retailers Association (APCRA) President Mubeen Yousaf has hailed the government’s decision to announce a new excise slab for tobacco products, as it would help grow the business of retailers dealing in legitimate brands and toughen penalties against anyone in possession of non-compliant cigarettes.
He said the retailers had been suffering with the growth of illicit cigarette trade due to weak enforcement. The new excise slab will encourage higher sales of legal brands, which will allow retailers to earn a decent income, he added. The government will also benefit from higher tax collection that can be used to promote trade and agriculture in the country, he added. He further appealed to the government and finance minister not to succumb to the pressure from foreign funded NGOs, who are more interested in pleasing the agenda of their overseas sponsors rather than catering to interests of the poor retailers.
