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On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning about the alarming toll of tobacco use in Pakistan, citing an annual loss of 164,000 lives and an estimated $2.5 billion in economic costs due to tobacco-related health issues. WHO emphasized the need for urgent action, including increased tobacco taxation, to mitigate the crisis and save lives.
As the global observance of World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, WHO reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Pakistan to address the country’s ongoing health crisis caused by widespread tobacco use. WHO’s warning highlights the serious implications of the tobacco epidemic not only on public health but also on Pakistan’s broader economic and development goals.
The Health and Economic Crisis: Tobacco’s Deadly Toll
The WHO’s report underscores the devastating consequences of tobacco consumption in Pakistan, pointing out that the country is facing a significant public health crisis. Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths, and its economic burden is escalating rapidly. Every year, Pakistan loses 164,000 lives to tobacco-related illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases, while the financial losses due to tobacco-related diseases and productivity loss add up to approximately $2.5 billion annually.
In response to these alarming statistics, WHO is urging the Pakistani government to take stronger action to curb tobacco consumption, which is directly impacting the health and well-being of the population.
WHO’s Call for Increased Tobacco Taxation
A key recommendation from the WHO is to use taxation as a tool to reduce tobacco consumption and generate revenue that can be directed towards health and development priorities. WHO has long advocated for higher taxes on tobacco products, arguing that it is an effective way to reduce consumption while simultaneously boosting government revenues.
Research supports this approach, showing that tobacco taxation not only generates significant revenue but also leads to a reduction in tobacco-related diseases and alleviates the burden on health systems.
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In 2023, following an increase in tobacco taxes in Pakistan, tobacco use declined by 19.2 percent, with 26.3 percent of smokers reducing their cigarette consumption. This resulted in a 66 percent increase in revenue from the federal excise duty on cigarettes, which rose from Rs. 142 billion in the 2022–2023 fiscal year to Rs. 237 billion in 2023–2024.
However, WHO points out that federal excise duty rates on cigarettes have not increased since February 2023, making tobacco products more affordable and accessible. Additionally, the current taxation levels still fall short of WHO’s recommended threshold of 75 percent of the retail price, leaving room for further improvements in tobacco taxation policies.
WHO’s Technical Support to Pakistan’s Tobacco Control Efforts
Pakistan ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004, and since then, the WHO has been providing continuous technical support to Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, as well as the Federal Board of Revenue. This support has focused on areas such as tobacco tax policy, track-and-trace systems for tobacco products, and the overall implementation of effective tobacco control measures.
WHO’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan aims to strengthen the country’s tobacco control efforts, including improving policy measures, enforcing regulations, and reducing tobacco consumption across the nation.
The Toxic and Dangerous Nature of Tobacco Products
Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO’s Representative in Pakistan, underscored the lethal nature of all tobacco products, saying, “There is no such thing as a safe tobacco product. Tobacco is a devastating burden on public health, for the economy, for our children and for our grandchildren. Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don’t quit, overstretches health systems, and also harms non-smokers in our communities and families.”
Dr. Luo further stressed that tobacco products are toxic and dangerous, and their widespread use has severe health consequences. He added, “Make no mistake, all tobacco products on the market, without exception, are extremely toxic and dangerous.”
A Call for Stronger Action
As World No Tobacco Day nears, the WHO’s statement serves as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures in Pakistan. The organization is calling for comprehensive action, including increased taxation, tighter regulation of tobacco products, and increased public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Pakistan faces a critical juncture in its fight against tobacco-related health issues. The WHO’s call to action is aimed at reducing tobacco consumption, preventing further deaths, and alleviating the financial strain on the nation’s healthcare system. By implementing stronger tobacco policies, Pakistan can protect public health, reduce tobacco-related diseases, and move closer to achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health and well-being.
