GUJRANWALA: A Regional Tax Office (RTO) team in Gujranwala destroyed a massive consignment of smuggled, non-duty-paid cigarettes worth over Rs120 million in an open field operation.

According to official sources, 1,238 cartons of illegally transported cigarettes were seized and subsequently set on fire in a public display, aimed at curbing the black market trade and sending a strong message against tax evasion.

The crackdown comes as part of an ongoing national campaign against smuggling and illegal trade under the directives of the Federal Board of Revenue.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against those involved in the illegal trade of non-tax-paid tobacco products.

ELECTROCUTED: A wedding celebration in Kolo Tarar turned into a scene of grief and mourning after a tragic incident claimed the life of an eight-year-old boy on Monday.

Mehr Ali had recently returned from Saudi Arabia, and wedding festivities were underway at his residence. During the mehndi ceremony, Mehr Ali’s younger brother was reportedly playing inside the house when he accidentally came into contact with an electric wire and received a fatal electric shock.

KILLED: Two persons were killed in an incident of targeted firing in the suburban village of Phapri Shahana, Hafizabad district, on Monday.

Police registered a case against more than eight suspects in connection with the double murder.

According to initial reports, Asif Shah, an employee of the jail police, was en route to his duty station on a motorcycle accompanied by his guest, Shahroz. As the two passed through the village, they were ambushed by armed assailants reportedly waiting on a nearby rooftop.

The suspects identified as Najaf Shah, Akmal, Zahidul Hasan, Fazal Abbas, Hasnain Shah, Ali Shah and Haider Shah opened indiscriminate fire on the duo. Asif Shah died on the spot, while Shahroz succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Following the incident, the assailants managed to flee the scene.

Police have registered a case.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2025