ISLAMABAD: The retailers may face heavy penalties for selling counterfeit, smuggled and non-taxpaid cigarettes as strict action has been suggested against such practices in the Federal Budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb proposed strict measures while presenting the Federal Budget 2024-25 on the floor of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
He said the government and the concerned departments are concerned by the easy availability of such fake cigarettes in the market.
The minister added that smuggled and non-taxpaid cigarettes in the market are major challenges despite the launch of a track and trace system.
According to the proposal those shops that were found selling cigarettes without tax stamps could face sealing or closure in future.
Earlier, the minister announcing a total outlay of Rs18 trillion budget said the government was eying to secure a long-term International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.
The National Assembly (NA) started with a two-hour delay as key coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was displeased with the budget proposals. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also attended the session.
