Billions of pine brand cigarette sticks have long been smuggled into Pakistan, most likely from the neighboring Afghanistan, revealed industry sources latest data here on Tuesday.
They told Business Recorder that the amount of smuggled pine cigarettes was so substantial that it prompted Pakistani authorities to formally complain to the Korean government and KT&G last year.
The KT&G, the nation's leading tobacco maker, exports to 45 countries, including four countries in the Middle East - Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq and Iran - through the firm's regional offices and UAE-based importer Alokozay International.
The company does not have any official dealer or representative office in Pakistan. A pack of 20 cigarettes is said to be sold at around Rs 30 (400 won). Sources said tobacco maker was made aware of the smuggling when Pakistan Embassy in Seoul raised the issue with Korean Ministry of Strategy and Finance in April 2011.
