MUZAFFARABAD: Authorities in Mirpur and Bhimber districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have imposed a ban on the transportation of tobacco products and raw materials to and from their respective areas during the Eid holidays to prevent tax evasion.

The orders, issued separately by Mirpur Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz and Bhimber Deputy Commissioner Arshad Mahmood Jarral under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code on Saturday, were based on concerns raised by the Inland Revenue Department.

According to the department, cigarette factory owners in Mirpur’s industrial area had been smuggling and transporting cigarettes to Punjab during Eid holidays in both sealed cartons and open packets, leading to significant revenue losses for the government in terms of excise duty.

A similar situation existed in Bhimber, where tobacco products manufactured in local factories were transported to Mirpur and other parts of Pakistan through various routes.

Both deputy commissioners warned that, during the holidays from March 31 to April 2, when the Inland Revenue staff would be off duty, there was a heightened risk of tobacco products being transported using counterfeit or unauthenticated receipts.

Additionally, past instances had shown that when law enforcement agencies attempted to intervene, smugglers often became confrontational.

“In view of these concerns, no individual, factory owner, or driver shall transport or sell cigarettes in sealed cartons or open packs outside the territorial limits of Mirpur or Bhimber districts during the Eid holidays,” the orders stated.

The directives also prohibited bringing raw materials for tobacco products into these districts without proper tax documentation.

The orders warned that anyone found violating the ban would face legal action under Section 188 of the Azad Penal Code.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2025