Islamabad : – The pressing issue of tobacco control in Pakistan, esteemed organizations and individuals convened at a policy dialogue organized by the Human Development Foundation (HDF), along with partner organizations including SPARC, Aurat Foundation, Chromatic Trust, Social Policy Development Centre (SPDC), and the Indus Hospital and Health Network. The policy dialogue, held under the theme of “Tobacco Taxation,” brought together policymakers, experts, activists, and stakeholders to deliberate on comprehensive approaches to combatting the widespread impact of tobacco consumption in Pakistan.
Mr. Usman Shaukat, General Manager of Strategy & Design at HDF, highlighted the organization’s multifaceted efforts in tobacco control and underscored the importance of collective action in addressing this public health challenge. Keynote speakers and panelists shared valuable insights throughout the policy dialogue, addressing various aspects of tobacco taxation and control.
Dr. Nelson Azeem, Member of the National Assembly, addressed the healthcare challenges stemming from tobacco-related illnesses in Pakistan. The nation faces an alarming annual healthcare burden of about PKR 615 billion. Mr. Azeem emphasized the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address tobacco consumption and its detrimental effects on public health and the economy.
Mr. Muhammad Sabir, Principal Economist from the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC), emphasized the benefits of increased tobacco taxation, highlighting its potential to positively impact both public health and government revenue. Revenue collections from cigarette taxes between July 2023 and January 2024 have already reached PKR 122 billion. With full-year projections exceeding PKR 200 billion, these figures represent a significant increase compared to previous fiscal years. These findings highlight the success of the excise tax reforms as a dual strategy for public health and economic growth.
The policy dialogue also featured presentations by experts such as Ms. Maryam Gul Tahir, Director of the Center for Research & Dialogue (CRD), and Mr. Shahzad Alam, Technical Advisor on Tobacco Control at the World Health Organization (WHO), who shared compelling insights and research findings on the impact of tobacco taxation and illicit trade. Mr. Alam’s revelations on Pakistan’s illicit tobacco trade, estimated to account for 23% of the total cigarette market, underscore the complex challenges faced in curbing tobacco-related issues.
A panel discussion on tobacco taxation facilitated an inclusive dialogue among representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, tobacco control activists, and parliamentarians. The panel explored various strategies and policy interventions to effectively address tobacco consumption through taxation mechanisms.
Honorable Chief Guest, Ms. Shehla Raza, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, provided valuable perspectives from a policymaker’s standpoint, stressing the importance of effective tobacco control measures in safeguarding public health and promoting societal well-being.
The event concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration in the fight against tobacco use. The symposium provided a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration among stakeholders, reaffirming the collective resolve to implement evidence-based strategies for tobacco control in Pakistan.