The government has failed to curb the illegal smuggling of cigarettes
inside Pakistan that is depriving the national exchequer of billions of
rupees, which can be collected from the taxes imposed on sale of
cigarette.
It is worth stating here that imported cigarettes through
improper channels are banned in the country and only those brands and
cigarettes can be sold, those have paid taxes and carry the government
of Pakistan’s health warning on it
Contrary to these orders from the
government there are too many imported brands available in the market
and the shopkeepers are selling those cigarettes without any worry. Only
a single brand ‘Pine’ deprives the national kitty of more than Rs 1
billion per annum, according to a report. It is pertinent to mention
here that across the world cigarettes are heavily taxed and the
governments collect heavy amounts from the tobacco companies under the
head of sales tax. It would also be justified to say that people mostly
do not protest against the tax imposed on the cigarettes. As it is not
considered basic necessity of a human being though a large number of
global residents use tobacco.
Pakistan too can collect handsome
amount from the tax on cigarettes but due to loopholes in the system and
corrupt practices of most of the government officials, it is unable to
collect that much amount that is supposed to be collected.
When asked
how do they manage selling illegal smuggled cigarettes, several
shopkeepers replied, “We pay them.” It is not the government whom they
pay; rather they are talking about the officials appointed to curb such
practices.
Certain quarters believe that high-ups should personally
visit the markets and suspend the relevant officials if illegal
cigarettes are found in the area of some official. At the same time
certain quarters believe that curbing illegal trade is not a big deal
but it only requires political will.
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