ISLAMABAD: Tobacco consumption continues to exact a deadly toll in Pakistan, claiming over 164,000 lives each year and causing an estimated $2.5 billion in economic losses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, WHO has renewed its call for urgent policy reforms, especially higher tobacco taxes, to curb this preventable crisis.
Taxation Key to Reducing Consumption
WHO emphasized that taxation is one of the most effective tools to discourage smoking while simultaneously boosting government revenues.
In a recent statement, the organization cited Pakistan’s 2023 tax hike on tobacco products, which led to a 19.2% decline in tobacco usage.
Additionally, 26.3% of smokers reportedly cut down on cigarette consumption during the same period.
The tax increase also had a significant fiscal impact: revenue from federal excise duty on cigarettes jumped by 66%, from Rs142 billion in 2022–23 to Rs237 billion in 2023–24.
However, the WHO noted that Pakistan’s current taxation level remains below its recommended threshold of 75% of the retail price, and no new increases have been made since February 2023.
Tobacco Threatens Public Health and Economy
Pakistan ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004 and continues to receive technical support from the organization on tobacco taxation and traceability systems.
Despite this, tobacco remains a severe public health burden, contributing to rising healthcare costs and undermining the country’s progress toward its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“There is no such thing as a safe tobacco product,” warned Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan. “Tobacco kills up to half of its users, harms non-smokers, and strains health systems. It is a burden on our children and future generations.”
The WHO reiterated the urgent need for stronger regulatory actions, warning that without decisive steps, the death toll and economic damage will only continue to rise.
