Islamabad, February 23,2026: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control convened under the convenorship of Senator Saifullah Abro to examine the theft of 2,828 cartons of confiscated cigarettes from FBR godowns in Swabi and Mardan. The meeting was attended by Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood and Senator Umer Farooq.
The Committee expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the Chairman FBR and emphasized that his presence in the next meeting is mandatory to ensure timely conclusion of this matter of significant public importance.
The Committee was informed that the confiscated consignment had been seized in 2024 and that three officials — a chowkidar, a Naib Qasid, and a driver — were dismissed on the recommendations of an internal inquiry committee. However, serious concerns were raised regarding anomalies in the inquiry report. The Convenor questioned the rationale behind dismissing lower-grade officials when reports from the police and FIA indicated that the seals, ceiling, and locks of the godowns were found intact. He further questioned whether such officials could have executed the theft with such precision.
The Committee also expressed concern that the exact date of the theft remains unknown. It was observed that responsibility appeared to be limited to lower-tier staff while officers in higher grades remained unaccountable.
Members showed dissatisfaction over the submission of incomplete working papers. The FIA investigation team informed the Committee that despite repeated requests, CCTV footage, stock registers, and the internal inquiry report had not been provided. The Committee expressed serious concern over the non-provision of critical case records to the FIA.
The Committee also questioned the decision to shift the confiscated consignment from a CCTV-monitored godown to another facility lacking surveillance cameras. The Convenor directed FBR to provide complete documentation, including the authority responsible for ordering the transfer and the proceedings of the internal inquiry committee.
While the Committee was apprised that FBR has strengthened its security mechanisms and devised comprehensive SOPs, members highlighted recent theft incidents and sought detailed records of similar cases from 2012 onwards. The Convenor further directed that the stocktaking officers who first detected the theft must appear in the next meeting.
The Sub-Committee appreciated the efforts of the FIA investigation team and urged FBR to extend full cooperation. Emphasizing the need to curb corruption, the Convenor reiterated that the Committee stands supportive of institutional reform but will not tolerate negligence or concealment. He directed that FBR Board Members, the Secretary of the Law Division, and all relevant officials attend the next meeting. He also underscored the necessity of accountability, particularly in cases where officers’ assets appear questionable.
The presence of the Chairman FBR in the upcoming meeting was declared essential.
