A Senate sub-committee has directed the Federal Investigation Agency to expand and speed up its investigation into the theft of thousands of cigarette cartons from warehouses managed by the Federal Board of Revenue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The directive came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control, chaired by Saifullah Abro, where members expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the inquiry.
Officials revealed that a total of 2,828 cigarette cartons went missing from FBR godowns located in Swabi and Mardan. So far, statements of around 20 individuals have been recorded, but the committee stressed the need for a more comprehensive investigation.
The panel instructed the FIA to record statements from key officials, including the regional tax officer, chief commissioner, and member (tobacco), who were in office at the time of the incident. It also recommended scrutinising their assets to identify any possible irregularities.
Lawmakers raised concerns about potential involvement of organised networks or tobacco cartels and directed investigators to explore all possible links. The FIA has also been asked to visit the affected warehouses and thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the theft.
During the session, discrepancies in financial records were highlighted, with questions raised over ongoing banking transactions despite claims that a factory linked to the case had been sealed. The FIA has been tasked with verifying these financial activities.
The committee emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency, urging swift action to identify those responsible. It also called for stronger enforcement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
This case has brought attention to broader issues, including smuggling, tax evasion, and weaknesses in storage and monitoring systems, prompting authorities to take stricter steps to safeguard public resources.
