The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning that tobacco use is claiming 164,000 lives annually in Pakistan and costing the nation approximately US$ 2.5 billion, urging for immediate tax increases to curb this public health crisis. WHO emphasized that all tobacco products are harmful and pose significant risks to vulnerable groups, including children and teenagers.

As World No Tobacco Day nears on 31st May, WHO reiterated its partnership with Pakistan to combat the tobaccorelated health emergency. The organization promotes taxation as a means to reduce tobacco consumption while generating revenues for health and development.

WHO highlighted the necessity of additional measures to prevent tobacco”s detrimental impact on public health and the economy from hindering Pakistan”s progress toward the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Research supports that increased tobacco taxes can effectively reduce consumption and tobaccorelated health issues while boosting government revenue. Following a tax hike in 2023, Pakistan saw a 19.2% drop in tobacco use and a 66% rise in Federal Excise Duty (FED) revenue on cigarettes.

Despite these gains, FED rates on cigarettes have not been raised since February 2023, making them relatively affordable and falling short of WHO’s recommended 75% of the retail price. This, WHO suggests, is an opportunity to enhance control measures.

Pakistan, having ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004, continues to receive WHO support in tobacco tax policy and regulatory implementation.

Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, underscored the urgency, stating, “Tobacco is a devastating burden on public health and the economy. It kills up to half of its users, overstretches health systems, and harms nonsmokers.”

WHO remains committed to assisting the Government of Pakistan in reducing tobacco consumption and saving lives.