Deputy Commissioner Gujrat’s visit to a Cigarette Factory in Bhimber raises eyebrows

ISLAMABAD: The reported participation of the Deputy Commissioner of Gujrat in a luncheon hosted by a cigarette factory in Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has triggered concern among circles actively engaged in the fight against illegal cigarette trade and tax evasion. The development has raised serious questions at a time when authorities are conducting an intensified crackdown against illegal cigarettes across Pakistan and AJK.

According to sources, the luncheon was organized few months back by New Kashmir Tobacco Company, Bhimber on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Sources claim that the event was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Gujrat, the Deputy Commissioner Bhimber, the Assistant Commissioner Kharian, along with several police officials.

According to sources participation of senior administrative officials from Gujrat and Kharian in an event hosted by a controversial cigarette industry entity invites criticism given the ongoing nationwide efforts against tax evasion and illegal cigarette manufacturing networks.

The development has gained further attention amid reports that multiple illegal cigarette manufacturing units in Bhimber, Mirpur, and Barnala have allegedly resumed operations in recent months. On reopening of illegal cigarette production units, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Prime Minister, AJK has already taken strict administrative actions against senior officials of Inland Revenue department AJK. Recently on facilitation of illegal cigarette production units, Prime Minister has cancelled posting of Deputy Commissioner, Inland Revenue Mirpur and also removed Secretary Inland Revenue department.

Sources further elonorate that cigarettes manufactured in these units are allegedly smuggled from AJK into Pakistan through various channels. Cigarettes reportedly produced in Bhimber, Barnala, and Mirpur are said to be transported through Gujrat and Sialkot corridors before reaching markets in different cities across Pakistan.

Observers point out that the geographical connectivity between Bhimber and Gujrat creates multiple land routes that could potentially facilitate transportation networks. Bhimber maintains road links through Lalamusa, Kharian, and Jalalpur Jattan, providing direct access between AJK and mainland Pakistan. Illegal cigarette consignments are transported via small cars, buses, trucks etc.

Analysts maintain that beyond tax authorities and enforcement agencies, district administrations in border-linked areas such as Gujrat and Sialkot also have a responsibility to ensure oversight and vigilance against unlawful transportation and distribution networks.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that the reported participation of the Deputy Commissioner Gujrat and Assistant Commissioner Kharian in a luncheon hosted by a disputed cigarette industry entity has generated concern among tax enforcement circles, further fueling debate over transparency, official conduct, and institutional accountability.