Suspects involved in the illegal cigarette trade allegedly attacked an Inland Revenue team of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Bahawalpur, snatching back part of a seized consignment and threatening the officials with death.
According to sources, the FBR team had received intelligence that illegal cigarettes were being moved in a vehicle bearing registration number AHE-895. Officials intercepted the vehicle and took possession of the stock.
Seized Cartons Snatched Back
During the operation, a group of suspects allegedly resisted violently, assaulted the government personnel and obstructed the raid.
Sources said they forcibly took away around 15 cartons of the seized cigarettes, comprising the Marvon, Honda and Pine brands.
Case Registered Against 15 People
On the complaint of the Inland Revenue officials, a case was registered at Saddar Police Station, Bahawalpur. The charges include interference in official duty, assault on government personnel, criminal intimidation and obstruction of lawful proceedings.
Police records show the case has been registered under Sections 382, 342, 186, 355, 148, 149 and 506-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Fifteen people have been nominated, including Azam, Shahzad, Muhammad Ali, Tariq Ali, Mushtaq Ahmed and Talib Rasool.
What This Means
The incident has again raised concerns over resistance from elements in the illegal cigarette trade against enforcement operations by government agencies.
FBR has been stepping up action against this trade, including sealing an illegal cigarette factory in Karachi, as a large share of the market has slipped into illegal hands.
Authorities have been urged to take effective action against those involved in the illegal transport and sale of cigarettes and to ensure adequate protection for officials carrying out their lawful duties.
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