Tobacco Taxation Crucial for a Healthier Pakistan, Say Experts at Policy Dialogue

Tobacco Taxation Crucial for a Healthier Pakistan, Say Experts at Policy Dialogue

Islamabad, April 24, 2024 — In a major push toward stronger tobacco control, the Human Development Foundation (HDF) held a high-level policy dialogue in Islamabad, bringing together key stakeholders from the government, civil society, and health sector to advocate for increased tobacco taxation.

Representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Health Services Academy, Private Education Society, media, and civil services attended the event. Speakers emphasized the urgent need to revise Pakistan’s tobacco taxation policy to align with international standards and ease the mounting burden on the national healthcare system.

Professor Dr. Mati ur Rehman from the Health Services Academy shed light on the staggering socioeconomic cost of tobacco use, while WHO’s Dr. Waseem Saleem warned about the serious health risks linked to tobacco and nicotine addiction. Raja Khalid Mehmood, President of the Private Education Society, stressed the need to protect children from the growing threat of tobacco addiction.

Pakistan faces alarming tobacco usage rates, with over 31.6 million adults using tobacco products. Smoking alone causes more than 160,000 deaths annually, costing the economy around 1.6% of GDP. Experts warned that without an increase in tobacco taxes in the upcoming 2025–26 budget, an estimated 490,000 more people could begin smoking.

Read more: HDF Releases Report on Graphic Health Warnings with Stakeholder Support

All participants pledged to support stronger tobacco control measures and promote tobacco-free environments for a healthier Pakistan.