PESHAWAR, Feb 19 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday said that although the province produces the largest share of tobacco in the country, it is not receiving its due financial benefits from the industry’s profits and taxes.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Secretary Pakistan Tobacco Board Fakharuddin at Governor House. The secretary briefed the Governor on the Board’s ongoing projects, institutional capacity, tobacco cultivation, exports, and revenue generation.
The briefing was attended by Principal Secretary to Governor Zubair Arshad, PTB Marketing Officer Dr Hafiz Abdul Samad, and Muhammad Waqas Gillani.
Officials informed the meeting that tobacco is cultivated in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra and Buner. They said tobacco is grown on 21.25 million hectares across Pakistan, generating an annual income of Rs320 billion and providing livelihood opportunities to around 1.2 million people.
The Governor was further informed that during fiscal year 2024-25, Rs483 billion were contributed to the federal government in the form of Federal Excise Duty and Sales Tax from tobacco cultivation, sales and exports.
Governor Kundi termed the tobacco industry highly significant for the province’s economy and business activities, stressing that the taxes and profits generated from the sector should be spent on the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He urged the relevant authorities to take effective measures for safeguarding farmers’ interests, promoting transparency, and introducing modern agricultural practices so that local growers could benefit while strengthening the national economy.
The Governor also directed the concerned officials to devise a coordinated strategy to address farmers’ issues, ensure a transparent procurement system, and enhance exports to further stabilise the provincial and national economy.