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WASHINGTON: Pakistan is intensifying its efforts to curb the illicit trade of cigarettes aimed at improving revenue collection and protecting legitimate businesses.
Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb stated this at a meeting with Christos Harpanditis, Vice President of Philip Morris International, on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.
The mnister emphasized that effective enforcement and compliance are critical to addressing the growing issue of illegal cigarette production and sales.
“Illicit trade not only undermines government revenue but also poses serious health and regulatory challenges,” Senator Aurangzeb stated.
He noted that the government has recently moved the Tax Policy Office to the Finance Division, a strategic shift aimed at aligning tax decisions with economic value and enhancing policy oversight. This restructuring is expected to support more coordinated and impactful anti-illicit trade strategies.
Senator Aurangzeb also invited Philip Morris International and other industry stakeholders to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance by sharing taxation proposals and compliance recommendations. He highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation in creating a fair and transparent marketplace.
