SWABI: Tobacco growers and dealers in Swabi have condemned “raids, arrests”, and the imposition of heavy taxes by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), warning that they may launch a nationwide protest if such measures continued.
The demand was made at a convention in Karnal Sher Killay. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz divisional president Iftikhar Ahmad Khan presided over the meeting, which was attended by stakeholders from the tobacco industry along with political and social leaders.
The participants criticised the FBR’s actions, describing them as detrimental to business.The speakers at the convention included Buland Iqbal Tarakai, Tauseef Ejaz, Ayaz Shoaib, Nawab Ali, Siddique Akbar Bacha, Muhammad Ali Dagiwal, and Saeedullah Advocate, among others.
They expressed concern over the challenges being faced by the tobacco growers, which was a cash crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The speakers alleged that the FBR had been raiding warehouses, depots, and markets.
They claimed that these operations often involved unjustified arrests, causing severe difficulties for those associated with the sector.Iqbal demanded that the FBR should immediately halt raids and arrests. “If these actions continue, growers, dealers, and small manufacturers will unite to initiate a nationwide protest,” he warned.
Muhammad Ishfaq Khan Advocate, president of Awami National Party Tehsil Razar, said that the Pakistan Tobacco Board had been sealing tobacco factories and was attempting to impose further penalties. He called these measures unjust and assured full support to the growers in opposing the taxation policies.
PMLN divisional president Iftikhar Ahmad Khan announced that a meeting would soon be held with the chairman of the Pakistan Tobacco Board to convey the concerns of the growers. He said that an action committee would be formed, including representatives of tobacco dealers, growers’ organizations, and legal experts, to develop a joint strategy.
Political leader Irshad Khan said that small manufacturers were under immense pressure and were unable to even organize meetings. He stressed that fear among them must be removed and urged them to seek legal protection through court stay orders.
The convention concluded with participants pledging to take all possible measures to protect the tobacco sector and secure their rights, while rejecting any unjust policies.
