Senate Sub-Committee Investigates Major Cigarette Theft from FBR Godowns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
A meeting of the sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control was convened on Friday to review a significant case involving the alleged theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes from the godowns of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) located in Swabi and Mardan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The session, held at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro, focused on detailed discussions to fix responsibility and ensure the recovery of the stolen goods.
Concerns Over Absence of FIA Director General
At the outset of the meeting, the convener expressed serious concerns over the absence of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General, Dr. Usman Anwar. He emphasized the critical importance of senior officials being present during committee proceedings to facilitate effective oversight and decision-making.
FBR Briefing and Investigation Details
During the briefing, a member of the FBR informed the committee that the matter had initially been reported as a theft case, with a First Information Report (FIR) lodged with the relevant police authorities. However, the police later reclassified the incident as a case of misappropriation and referred it to the FIA for further investigation. The chair questioned the mechanism under which this referral was made, to which the FBR representative clarified that such incidents typically require initial reporting to local police before further legal actions are initiated.
The FBR representative also shared a notification outlining the procedure for referring such cases to the FIA and assured the committee of full cooperation during the investigation. It was noted that formal approval from the Board of Members is necessary before the FIA can initiate proceedings.
Expanding the Inquiry Scope
Senator Talha Mahmood suggested expanding the committee's inquiry, highlighting another theft incident that occurred in April 2024. He reported that out of 1,262 cartons stored in a godown, 908 cartons had been stolen, yet no FIR had been lodged in that case. Senator Mahmood expressed concern over repeated incidents in areas under the jurisdiction of the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Peshawar and questioned why cigarette consignments appeared to be specifically targeted.
Recovery and Security Measures
FBR officials informed the lawmakers that an immediate FIR had been lodged in the current case and that the stolen cartons were reportedly recovered near Jahangira at Flow Petroleum. To enhance security, CCTV cameras have been installed in all FBR godowns since January 14, 2026, and a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been introduced to improve monitoring arrangements.
As part of disciplinary actions, 10 officers of BS-16 and BS-17 have been suspended, while several officers suspected of having links with the business community have been transferred to other stations to dismantle any potential nexus.
Record-Keeping and Border Security Concerns
The committee also sought records from all FBR godowns since 2012. It was informed that out of a total of 17 godowns, records from 11 have been submitted so far, with a consolidated record to be provided on a priority basis.
Senator Mahmood raised concerns about industries established near border areas around Sust, which might be involved in smuggling activities, including precious metals or other sensitive materials. He pointed out vulnerabilities at border crossings such as Torkham and Arandoo, emphasizing the need to strengthen border control measures to curb smuggling and counter terrorism.
Lack of Coordination and Committee Directives
The convener observed that regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are particularly vulnerable to such activities and directed the FBR and Pakistan Customs to take concrete measures to effectively counter smuggling. The chair noted a lack of coordination between the KP Police and the FIA, which has hindered the investigation's progress. He stressed that the matter involves government property and national revenue, urging all concerned departments to make every possible effort to recover the stolen goods and coordinate effectively to identify those responsible.
The committee directed that the FIA Director General must take the matter seriously and ensure an expeditious investigation and disposal of the case.
