Islamabad: Khyber Tobacco Company (KTC) on Saturday  issued a statement to take an exception to a report titled "Pakistan Cigarette Market Assessment 2024" by Ipsos Pakistan.

It said that KTC is a leading cigarette manufacturing company in Pakistan, and “is compelled to address the public regarding the baseless and defamatory allegations levelled against it” by Ipsos.

“The said report contains unsubstantiated claims and defamatory remarks regarding KTC's business practices. These false allegations...have caused significant harm to KTC's reputation and business interests,” it said.

KTC vehemently denies all accusations made in the report and asserts its steadfast commitment to compliance with all regulatory requirements, it says. 

“We assert with pride that we are among the preeminent national cigarette manufacturing entities, employing a workforce exceeding 400 individuals within the country, and serving as Pakistan’s foremost tobacco exporter during the fiscal year 2022-23. These factors significantly bolster our contributions to the national exchequer, in direct contradiction to the assertions made by Ipsos,” says KTC.

“Besides, KTC was among the initial proponents of executing the track and trace agreement with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), as evidenced by public records. The company has cooperated fully with regulatory authorities, including the FBR, and maintains a robust system of internal controls to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,” it says.

“KTC's manufacturing units are subject to stringent oversight by FBR officials, with monitors stationed on the production floor,” it said.

“The defamatory nature of the report has not only harmed KTC's reputation but has also triggered a detrimental media campaign against local cigarette manufacturers. KTC's name, synonymous with quality and compliance, has been unfairly tarnished by these baseless allegations,” it says.

It says that “formal legal notices concerning defamation have been appropriately served to Ipsos Pakistan and its parent entity located in Paris, France.”

The KTC statement goes on to claim that “It has been brought to our attention that Ipsos Pakistan conducts its business operations within Pakistan through a single-member company (SMC) named ASB Associates, lacking a registered presence within Pakistan.”

“The evident non-compliance of Ipsos with established legal protocols within Pakistan is substantiated and verifiable,” it says.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance across all facets of our operations, and we extend our gratitude for the continued support and trust of our esteemed clientele and stakeholders,” it says.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam, to promptly travel to the Kyrgyz Republic following the mob violence in Bishkek.

Engineer Amir Muqam is scheduled to depart for Bishkek tonight to oversee the rescue efforts for Pakistani students in Kyrgyz Republic and to extend them support and assistance.

He would hold meetings with Pakistani students, address their concerns, and ensure their well-being amidst the ongoing situation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing deep concern over the violence targeting foreign students in Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized that the Pakistani Embassy in Bishkek must ensure the provision of optimal medical care for injured Pakistani students.

He also stressed that government officials should facilitate the immediate return of those students who wish to return to Pakistan, covering the expenses.

Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistan's Embassy should provide every possible support for maintaining constant communication between students and their families.

Lahore:  Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education on Saturday issued schedule again for Intermediate Part II examination.

The roll number slips for the private candidates were uploaded on the board’s web and sent to their homes. The roll number slips for the regular students were uploaded to their login accounts.

The examination originally scheduled for April 20 would now be held on Thursday May 23.

The exam scheduled for April 23 would now be held on Friday, May 24, and the English exam scheduled for April 22 will now be held on Saturday, May 25.