LAHORE: Pakistan exported tobacco of Rs 697 million during July-December 2014 which is Rs 3.60 million less than the corresponding period of 2013.
As per statistics, Pakistan had exported tobacco worth Rs 723 million during July-December 2013 while during current fiscal year tobacco sector is facing shortfall in exports. On the other hand, Tobacco Board Chairman Farid Ulllah Kahn has expressed reservations over illegal trade and smuggling of cigarettes before National Assembly Committee of Commerce here on other day.
He revealed that Pakistan was bearing loss of almost Rs 27 billion per year due to the illegal trade of cigarettes. He added that government should take measures to control the smuggling of cigarettes that was hurting the local industry. He also said Pakistan got Rs 870 million as taxes only from the crop of tobacco. An expert on subject is of the view that FBR Intelligence and Investigation wing performance should be improved as the trade of smuggled items is being made in local markets. He said coordination between customs and other agencies should be enhanced to tighten the security at borders of Pakistan.
