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Youth

Urgent Call for Tobacco Taxation and Control Measures in Pakistan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Public health experts, parliamentarians, and civil society leaders have come together to stress the need for substantial increases in tobacco taxation and stricter enforcement of tobacco control laws in Pakistan. The alarming rise in nicotine consumption among the country's youth has sparked concerns, with many emphasizing the critical role of educational institutions in safeguarding young people. Compelling data highlights the increasing affordability of cigarettes due to the freeze on Federal Excise Duty (FED) since February 2023, with predictions of over 490,000 young people initiating smoking if corrective tax measures are not implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The freeze on Federal Excise Duty (FED) since February 2023 has made cigarettes increasingly affordable, especially for youth.
  • Over 490,000 young people are likely to initiate smoking if corrective tax measures are not implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.
  • MNA Saher Kamran has moved numerous bills in the Senate and National Assembly during the past 15 years to address tobacco control.
  • Mr. Asif Iqbal, Managing Director of the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC), presented data showing that tobacco products, such as sugar and cement, are now tracked electronically across the supply chain to enhance transparency and revenue collection.
  • Dr. Arsalan Haider, Director of the Tobacco Control Cell at the Ministry of National Health Services, highlighted the mandate of TCC, a comprehensive and self-guiding framework aimed at supporting Pakistan's commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
  • MPA Tahira Mushtaq successfully advocated for a provincial tobacco levy and legal measures to regulate emerging products like vapes and e-cigarettes in the Punjab Assembly.
  • MNA Sabeen Ghauri emphasized the need to plug legislative gaps and modernize Pakistan's tobacco control laws, particularly to cover all nicotine products including vapes and nicotine gums.
  • MNA Dr. Shazia Sobia and MNA Naeema Kishwar Khan also supported tax increase on tobacco.
  • Mr. Safdar Raza from Aurat Foundation criticized the current two-tier tax system on cigarettes, highlighting its vulnerability to manipulation by the tobacco industry.
  • The Aurat Foundation and other civil society leaders called for abolishing the tiered system and imposing uniform, high taxes on all tobacco products.

Statistics:

  • Over 490,000 young people are likely to initiate smoking if corrective tax measures are not implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.
  • The freeze on Federal Excise Duty (FED) since February 2023 has made cigarettes increasingly affordable.
  • A 30% rise in economy-brand production and a 22% overall increase in cigarette output have been observed, undermining industry claims of revenue loss due to illicit trade.
  • Tobacco products, such as sugar and cement, are now tracked electronically across the supply chain to enhance transparency and revenue collection.

Sources:

  • A press release from a high-level policy dialogue on tobacco control held in Islamabad.
  • A statement by MNA Saher Kamran.
  • A presentation by Mr. Asif Iqbal, Managing Director of the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC).
  • A statement by Dr. Arsalan Haider, Director of the Tobacco Control Cell at the Ministry of National Health Services.
  • A report by MPA Tahira Mushtaq on her successful advocacy for a provincial tobacco levy in the Punjab Assembly.
  • A statement by MNA Sabeen Ghauri on the need to plug legislative gaps and modernize Pakistan's tobacco control laws.
  • A report by Mr. Safdar Raza from Aurat Foundation on the flaws in the current two-tier tax system on cigarettes.
  • A press release from the Aurat Foundation on the need to abolish the tiered system and impose uniform, high taxes on all tobacco products.

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