SWABI: Tobacco growers and traders on Monday asked the government to stop the Federal Board of Revenue from harassing them and to also do away with ‘unjust’ taxes, enabling them to earn their livelihoods with dignity.

They made the demand while speaking at a convention held in Palodand Saleem Khan area here.

The leaders of Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Pakistan People’s Party, Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Qaumi Watan Party were also in attendance.

However, the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders opted to stay away from the gathering.

The participants alleged that the FBR was victimising the tobacco growers and traders during raids, and demanded the withdrawal of the law enforcement personnel from the green leaf threshing units.

The growers alleged that FBR officials harassed them during raids, and accused the bureau of violating the tobacco market law, MLO-487.

The meeting also demanded the provision of interest-free loans to farmers, enabling them to produce quality crops as per international standards.

Irshad Khan, a tobacco trader, demanded that the government adopt a growers-friendly policy.

The participants also discussed the possibility of blocking the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway to press the government to meet the demands of tobacco growers and traders.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026