Smoking costs Pakistan 164,000 lives, $2.5bn yearly: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Pakistan to increase taxes on tobacco products, citing staggering annual losses of 164,000 lives and $2.5 billion (Rs700 billion) due to tobacco-related health and economic impacts.

In a statement ahead of World No Tobacco Day (May 31), the WHO emphasized that all tobacco products harm public health, particularly children and teens. It called for stricter taxation to curb consumption and generate revenue for healthcare.

Research shows tobacco taxes effectively reduce usage while boosting government income. In 2023, Pakistan’s tax hike on cigarettes led to a 19.2% drop in tobacco use, with 26.3% of smokers cutting consumption. Simultaneously, Federal Excise Duty (FED) revenue surged 66%, from Rs142 billion (2022-23) to Rs237 billion (2023-24).

Read: Reducing Healthcare Burden Through Tobacco Harm Reduction: A Sustainable Solution for Pakistan

Without stronger measures, WHO warned, tobacco’s health and economic toll will hinder Pakistan’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization pledged continued support to address the crisis.

Pakistan faces a critical choice: maintain the status quo or implement WHO-recommended tax reforms to save lives and strengthen public finances.