ISLAMABAD: This press release is being issued in response to the news report dated 21.07.2026 titled “Afghan-Linked Cigarette Smuggling Network Affecting Revenue” published by Business Recorder.
Gulbahar Tobacco International FZE (GTI) categorically and unequivocally denies any involvement, whether directly or indirectly, in the smuggling, unlawful importation, distribution or illicit trafficking of MILANO, MOND, or any other products or brands owned, manufactured, licensed or distributed by GTI into Pakistan.
The so called report of ACT Alliance to the extent of GTI is nothing more than a document with bald allegations and GTI shall be pursuing legal remedies against the same. GTI further categorically denies any involvement, participation, facilitation, financing, knowledge, consent or association whatsoever with any alleged smuggling network or organized group engaged in the unlawful importation, distribution or sale of cigarettes or other goods in Pakistan.
GTI also unequivocally denies the allegations or implications referred to in the ACT Alliance Pakistan press release concerning money laundering, terrorism, espionage, illicit financial activities, financing of anti-state activities, or the use of proceeds allegedly generated from smuggling for the financing or development of projects in Afghanistan or elsewhere. GTI has no involvement or association whatsoever with any such alleged unlawful activities.
GTI is an international business operating through lawful commercial channels and conducts its business in accordance with the applicable laws and regulatory requirements of the jurisdictions in which it operates.
The unauthorized smuggling, trafficking, resale or distribution of genuine or counterfeit products by independent third parties, if any, is undertaken without GTI’s authorization, consent or participation and must not be attributed to GTI merely because such products may bear trademarks or brands owned by GTI.
Accordingly, any allegation, statement or implication suggesting that GTI, its owners, directors, affiliates or representatives are involved in, facilitate, finance, support or benefit from cigarette smuggling, money laundering, terrorism, espionage, illicit financial activities or any other criminal or anti-state activity is categorically denied.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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