Excise officials allow sale of cigarettes near schools

ISLAMABAD: The sale of non-custom paid and illegal cigarettes near schools, colleges and educational institutes continues openly across the federal capital, strongly affecting the lives and health of the younger generations.

The law prohibits the sale of smoked tobacco products within 50 meters of any school, university, or educational institution, as well as the sale of single cigarettes and small packets. However, cigarettes are easily available outside educational institutes at shops, kiosks and stands.

The use of tobacco among youth is increasingly prevalent among youth. Smoking is prohibited in all places of public work and on all public transport. It is also prohibited in outdoor waiting areas for buses and trains. Despite that prohibtion, the sale continues at stores, petrol stations and canteens of hospitals.

Excise and Taxation Officials have regularly issued licences for the past several years to bring them in the tax net. An audit report last year revealed that sale of illegal cigarettes can be curbed by including them in the tax net and reducing duties.

Earlier this year, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) disclosed that it is expected to lose Rs77.3 billion during the ongoing fiscal year owing to the increasing volume of illicit cigarette trade.

An official of the Pakistan Tobacco Company revealed that the market share of illicit cigarettes has surged to 33 percent in 2019 from 23.5 percent in 2014. The revenue loss has also increased to Rs77.3 billion from Rs50.9 billion last year. The tobacco companies paid Rs123 billion in sales tax in 2018-19.

The sale of non-custom paid cigarettes is illegal and efforts are made to curb it countrywide. However, Excise and Taxation officials in Islamabad have allegedly issued licences to allow sale near educational institutes and earned huge amounts in illicit payments.

Sources informed that Excise officials have allowed the sale of non-custom paid cigarettes. Many of them have bought expensive properties in the sale of their family members have set up businesses involving real estate or luxurious vehicles. However, no action has been taken against them as the youth continue to suffer from their misgivings.