In a recent statement, the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) emphasized the profound impact of tobacco use on Pakistan, both in terms of public health and economic consequences. Instead of imposing higher taxes on essential utilities like electricity and gas, SPARC urged the government to prioritize increasing taxes on cigarettes to alleviate the health cost burden and economic crisis.
Malik Imran Ahmad, Country Head of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), underscored the significant challenge Pakistan faces in combating the tobacco epidemic. Presenting alarming statistics, he revealed that a staggering 31.9 million adults (aged 15 and above) in Pakistan are tobacco consumers, constituting approximately 19.7% of the adult population.
Moreover, Ahmad highlighted the grim reality of tobacco-related illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases, which claim over 160,000 lives annually in Pakistan. These fatalities not only devastate individuals and families but also exert profound strains on communities and the healthcare system.
Proposing an immediate 30% increase in the Federal Excise Duty (FED) for 2024, Ahmad suggested that such a measure could recoup 19.8% of costs, thereby bridging the gap between health burdens and tax revenues. He emphasized that this tax adjustment would represent a mutually beneficial solution for both the government and the people of Pakistan, fostering improvements in health outcomes while bolstering revenue streams. Additionally, Ahmad highlighted the potential benefits of the recently implemented track and trace system for cigarettes, which aims to combat counterfeiting, curb tax evasion, and enhance accountability within the tobacco industry.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad, program manager at SPARC, echoed the concerns regarding the adverse impact of low cigarette prices, particularly on children and youth susceptible to initiating smoking. He emphasized that smoking-related illnesses and fatalities impose substantial economic burdens, amounting to 1.6% of Pakistan’s GDP annually.
These costs encompass not only healthcare expenditures but also productivity losses stemming from illness and premature mortality, as well as other indirect economic repercussions. Dr. Ahmad stressed that addressing the tobacco epidemic necessitates a multifaceted approach, integrating public health interventions, robust tobacco control policies, and widespread awareness campaigns.
By prioritizing measures to combat tobacco use, Pakistan can mitigate the economic losses associated with smoking-related illnesses, potentially alleviating strain on the healthcare system and safeguarding the well-being of its youth.
