Cigarette Mafia Attacks FBR Team in Bahawalpur, 15 Cartons Snatched

Suspected members of the cigarette mafia allegedly attacked an Inland Revenue team of the Federal Board of Revenue in Bahawalpur, snatching back around 15 cartons of seized illegal cigarettes 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.

Cigarette mafia Pakistan: 15 cartons snatched back

During the operation, a group of suspects allegedly resisted violently, assaulted the government personnel, and obstructed the raid.

Sources said the group forcibly took away around 15 cartons of the seized cigarettes, comprising the Marvon, Honda, and Pine brands.

Case registered against 15 suspects

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 was 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.

FBR's wider crackdown on illegal cigarettes

The incident has once again raised concerns about resistance from the illegal cigarette trade against enforcement operations by government agencies.

FBR has been stepping up action against the trade, including sealing an illegal cigarette factory in Karachi. The Prime Minister has directed the board to decisively curb illicit practices in the tobacco and cigarette sector.

The stakes are enormous. Pakistan faces an annual revenue loss of nearly Rs 250 to 300 billion from the illicit cigarette trade, according to official releases. Industry estimates suggest more than half of the country's annual cigarette market of over 80 billion sticks is sold illegally. FBR data recorded 675 raids between January and August 2026 alone.

Authorities have been urged to take effective action against those involved in the illegal transport and sale of cigarettes, and to ensure proper protection for officials carrying out their lawful duties.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in Bahawalpur?

An FBR Inland Revenue team intercepted a vehicle carrying illegal cigarettes, and a group of suspects allegedly attacked the officials, snatched back around 15 cartons of the seized stock, and issued death threats.

Which cigarette brands were seized?

The seized cartons comprised the Marvon, Honda, and Pine brands, according to sources.

Who has been booked in the case?

Fifteen people have been nominated, including Azam, Shahzad, Muhammad Ali, Tariq Ali, Mushtaq Ahmed, and Talib Rasool. The case is registered at Saddar Police Station, Bahawalpur.

What are the charges?

Interference in official duty, assault on government personnel, criminal intimidation, and obstruction of lawful proceedings, under PPC Sections 382, 342, 186, 355, 148, 149, and 506-B.

How big is Pakistan's illegal cigarette trade?

Huge. Official estimates put the annual revenue loss at Rs 250 to 300 billion, and industry figures suggest over half of the 80 billion plus sticks sold each year are illegal.