Staff Reporter
MULTAN:The district administration has finalized an action plan to launch a major crackdown on dealers involved in the trade of smuggled and substandard cigarettes. The initiative follows the directives of the Government of Pakistan and the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.Deputy Commissioner Dr. Salma Suleman convened a meeting and brought the FBR, Excise & Taxation Department, and other relevant agencies on board to ensure coordinated action. The meeting, chaired by the DC, focused on preparing an effective operational strategy to implement government instructions without delay.Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ghulam Mustafa, Assistant Commissioner FBR, District Officer Excise, and officials from related departments participated in the session.Deputy Commissioner Dr. Salma Suleman announced that under the supervision of the district administration, joint teams of concerned departments will carry out operations against smuggled cigarettes across Khanewal.She directed authorities to impose heavy fines on violators and seize all illegal stock, emphasizing that no leniency would be shown to those dealing in smuggled or low-quality tobacco products.The crackdown aims to curb tax evasion, protect public health, and ensure compliance with federal and provincial regulations.
