FBR chief’s accountability sought in cigarette theft case

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Monday called for accountability for the theft of 2,828 cartons of confiscated cigarettes from Federal Board of Revenue godowns in Swabi and Mardan, and summoned the FBR chairman for an explanation and clarification.

Saifullah Abro chaired the meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control to examine the theft case. The committee expressed strong displeasure at the FBR chairman’s absence and emphasised that his presence at the next meeting is mandatory to ensure the timely conclusion of this matter of significant public importance.

The committee was informed that the confiscated consignment was seized in 2024 and that three officials — a chowkidar, a Naib Qasid, and a driver — were dismissed on the recommendations of an internal inquiry committee.

However, serious concerns were raised regarding anomalies in the inquiry report. The convener questioned the rationale for dismissing lower-grade officials, given that reports from the police and FIA indicated that the godowns’ seals, ceilings, and locks were found........

© Dawn Business