The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the alarming impact of tobacco use in Pakistan, which claims approximately 164,000 lives annually and drains the economy of over PKR 700 billion (US$ 2.5 billion). The organization is urging the government to implement stronger tobacco control measures, particularly through significantly higher taxes, to curb consumption and ease the national burden.
As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, WHO reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Pakistan to address the chronic health crisis caused by tobacco. The organization advocates for taxation as a tool to reduce consumption while increasing revenues that can be directed towards health and development priorities. Research has shown that tobacco taxation is effective in increasing government revenues while reducing consumption and tobacco-related diseases.
In Pakistan, a tax increase on tobacco products in 2023 led to a 19.2% decline in tobacco use and a 66% increase in revenue collection from the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes. However, FED rates on cigarettes have not increased since February 2023, making them more affordable. WHO recommends that taxation levels should be at least 75% of the retail price to effectively curb consumption.
WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, emphasized that there is no safe tobacco product and that tobacco is a devastating burden on public health and the economy. The organization stands with the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to reduce tobacco consumption and save lives, providing technical support to relevant ministries and departments.
Meta AI response: WHO Warns of Devastating Toll of Tobacco Use in Pakistan The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the alarming impact of tobacco use in Pakistan, which claims approximately 164,000 lives annually and drains the economy of over PKR 700 billion (US$ 2.5 billion). The organization is urging the government to implement stronger tobacco control measures, particularly through significantly higher taxes, to curb consumption and ease the national burden. As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, WHO reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Pakistan to address the chronic health crisis caused by tobacco. The organization advocates for taxation as a tool to reduce consumption while increasing revenues that can be directed towards health and development priorities. Research has shown that tobacco taxation is effective in increasing government revenues while reducing consumption and tobacco-related diseases. In Pakistan, a tax increase on tobacco products in 2023 led to a 19.2% decline in tobacco use and a 66% increase in revenue collection from the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes. However, FED rates on cigarettes have not increased since February 2023, making them more affordable. WHO recommends that taxation levels should be at least 75% of the retail price to effectively curb consumption. WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, emphasized that there is no safe tobacco product and that tobacco is a devastating burden on public health and the economy. The organization stands with the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to reduce tobacco consumption and save lives, providing technical support to relevant ministries and departments.