Pakistan Sets Tobacco Tax Record but Falls Short on Full Anti-Smoking Measures

Pakistan achieved a landmark Rs298 billion ($1.1 billion) in tobacco tax revenue in 2024, according to the WHO’s Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2025. This 28% surge followed drastic policy changes, including tripling cigarette taxes and doubling minimum prices, which also slashed legal cigarette production. The WHO hailed Pakistan’s reversal of a failed 2017 three-tier tax system—which had cost the government Rs42.4 billion—as a triumph of evidence-based reform. Finance Minister even credited WHO for helping resist tobacco industry pressure.

While Pakistan excels in taxation (the “Raise” in WHO’s MPOWER strategy), it remains among 40 countries failing to implement any other best-practice measures. Unlike neighbors—India (85% graphic warnings)Sri Lanka (plain packaging), and Bangladesh (strict enforcement)—Pakistan lacks:
🔴 Graphic health warnings meeting global standards
🔴 Anti-tobacco mass media campaigns
🔴 Strong ad bans
🔴 Regulation of e-cigarettes & nicotine pouches, now banned in 42 nations

Globally, 75% of people are now covered by at least one MPOWER policy, but Pakistan’s only success remains taxation. WHO warns that without packaging laws, public education, and smoke-free policies, the country risks youth addiction and industry manipulation. Emerging threats like vapingunregulated in Pakistan but banned or controlled in 133 countries—compound the challenge.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros stressed: “Taxes save lives and raise revenue, but countries must act on all fronts.” While Pakistan’s tax model sets a regional example, delaying other reforms endangers public health. With 300 million fewer smokers globally since 2007 (thanks to MPOWER), the question remains: Will Pakistan catch up—or keep losing lives to tobacco?