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ISLAMABAD: The subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control on Monday strongly condemned what it called a “malicious media campaign” targeting its members following the seizure of 11 trucks allegedly loaded with smuggled cigarettes on the motorway.
The meeting, convened by Senator Saifullah Abro at Parliament House, was mandated to scrutinise border security mechanisms, smuggling networks, anti-narcotics controls, and tax evasion, including an estimated $1 billion attributed to the tobacco sector.
The convener of the committee noted that after the July 20 meeting discussed the truck seizure, an official press release and handout were circulated the next day on TV channels targeting the committee chairman and members. The committee directed the Member of FBR to personally review the handout issued by his media wing and identify officials responsible.
The FIA has also been tasked with conducting a “completely impartial, full-scale inquiry” into TV channels running targeted smear campaigns and submit a report.
