Pakistan loses over 160,000 lives to tobacco-related illnesses annually
Islamabad : The Human Development Foundation (HDF), in collaboration with partner organizations Chromatic Trust, Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), Aurat Foundation, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Social Policy and Development Center (SPDC), hosted a media briefing on the critical issue of tobacco taxation and its impact on public health, education, youth and the economy. The session, held at the National Press Club to coincide with World No Tobacco Day, aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the potential of taxation as a deterrent.
The briefing highlighted the well-documented health risks of tobacco, including the burden it places on individuals and the healthcare system. Pakistan loses over 160,000 lives to tobacco-related illnesses annually, incurring a healthcare cost of PKR 615 billion on the nation’s economy. Dr. Shafiq Rehman, Public Health Expert, emphasized the pressing need for comprehensive measures to curb tobacco consumption and its negative consequences.
The session also addressed the alarming impact of tobacco on education and youth development. Concerns were raised regarding the proliferation of novel tobacco products like nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, which exploit young people through aggressive marketing campaigns on social media, TV, and using influential celebrities. Mr. Sulaiman Ahmed, Director InCharge at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), emphasized the critical need for immediate regulation of all such products and recommitted the HEC’s dedication to enforcing anti-tobacco policies in educational institutions. He urged the media to play a vital role in creating awareness and promoting a ban on nicotine products.
The briefing further explored the substantial economic strain caused by tobacco use. The discussion acknowledged the significant costs associated with healthcare and lost productivity. Mr. Malik Imran Ahmad, Tobacco Control Activist, highlighted the potential benefits of increased tobacco taxation, remarking, “Tobacco taxation is a globally recognized and effective tool to reduce affordability and consumption.”
Mr. Malik Imran Ahmad also pointed out the tobacco industry’s attempt to introduce 10-cigarette packs under the guise of exports, warning that this could lead to increased domestic consumption due to their lower cost and affordability. Citing this as “another means of targeting our youth,” he urged the government to reject this proposal and ensure such packs do not enter the Pakistani market.
The session explored proposed changes to tobacco taxation policies and analyzed their potential impact on both public health and government revenue. Ms. Arooj Rajput, Focal Person of the Tobacco Control Campaign at HDF, shared valuable insights from a recent research indicating, “A 37% increase in tobacco tax could lead to a triple win with 757,000 fewer smokers, a 12.1% increase in tax revenue, and a 17.8% recovery of health costs.” This demonstrates that such policies not only save lives but also improve the national economy.
The session unequivocally called upon policymakers to enact strategic taxation policies aimed at protecting our future generations and creating a tobacco-free Pakistan.