MARDAN: The Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) has been urged to announce policy regarding surplus tobacco at the earliest to provide clarity for farmers, who are growing increasingly anxious due to delay in formulation of such a policy.

Pakistan Tobacco Company’s officials made the demand while speaking to the participants of a workshop it organised at the Mardan Press Club on Wednesday to highlight the farmers’ issues vis-à-vis the sale of their surplus produce.

The company’s officials expressed commitment to supporting farmers, ensuring transparency in the tobacco leaf procurement process, and strengthening efforts against illicit trade.

Mohammad Hamza Aamir Khan, the company’s regulatory engagement manager and other officials also spoke to the mediapersons on the occasion.

They claimed that the company was purchasing tobacco from farmers at the pre-agreed demand and officially notified prices, in strict compliance with the regulatory framework overseen by PTB.

The tobacco industry operates under the PTB Ordinance of 1968.

Under Martial Law Order (MLO) 487, PTB annually allocates procurement quotas to manufacturers based on their declared requirements, which are publicly notified for transparency.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2025