The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the devastating toll of tobacco use in Pakistan, which claims approximately 164,000 lives annually and drains the economy of over PKR 700 billion (roughly US$ 2.5 billion).
\nCalling the crisis both a public health emergency and an economic threat, WHO is urging to implement stronger tobacco control measures\u2014particularly through significantly higher taxes\u2014to curb consumption, save lives, and ease the national burden.
\nThe organization said all tobacco products on the market, without exception and regardless of its manufacturer, are extremely harmful to health and pose a major risk to vulnerable populations such as children and teenagers.<\/p>\n
As World No Tobacco Day \u2013 observed on 31 May \u2013 approaches, WHO reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Pakistan to address the chronic health crisis caused by tobacco.<\/p>\n
WHO advocates for taxation to be used as a tool to reduce consumption while increasing revenues that can be directed towards health and development priorities.
\nWithout additional measures, the harmful impact of tobacco on public health and the national economy will continue to jeopardize Pakistan\u2019s efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
\nResearch has shown that tobacco taxation is effective in increasing revenues for the Government while also reducing consumption, tobacco-related diseases and pressure on health systems.
\nIn 2023, following a tax increase on tobacco products in Pakistan, tobacco use declined by 19.2%, with 26.3% of smokers cutting down on cigarette consumption.
\n Revenue collection from the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes increased by 66%, from PKR 142 billion in 2022\u201323 to 237 billion in 2023\u201324.
\nIn Pakistan, FED rates on cigarettes have not increased since February 2023 \u2013 making them more affordable \u2013 and taxation levels remain below WHO\u2019s recommended 75% of the retail price. This presents an opportunity to strengthen control measures.
\nPakistan ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004, and WHO provides continuous technical support to the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination and the Federal Board of Revenue in areas such as tobacco tax policy and track-and-trace implementation.
\n\u201cThere is no such thing as a safe tobacco product. Tobacco is a devastating burden on public health, for the economy, for our children and for our grandchildren.\u201d
\n Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don\u2019t quit, overstretches health systems and also harms non-smokers in our communities and families.
\n Make no mistake, all tobacco products on the market \u2013 without exception \u2013 are extremely toxic and dangerous,\u201d said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo.
\nWHO stands with the Government of Pakistan as it strives to reduce tobacco consumption and save lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the devastating toll of tobacco use in Pakistan, which claims approximately 164,000 lives annually and drains the economy of over PKR 700 billion (roughly US$ 2.5 billion). Calling the crisis both a public health emergency and an economic threat, WHO is urging to implement […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":125282,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-481082","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n