A strong collective voice from parliamentarians, public health experts, and civil society leaders has called for a significant increase in tobacco taxation in Pakistan.
During a high-level policy dialogue on tobacco control, they emphasized the urgent need for fiscal and legislative action to curb rising nicotine consumption, particularly among the youth.
MNA Saher Kamran underscored the crucial role that educational institutions can play in safeguarding future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco. She highlighted her long-standing commitment, having introduced multiple bills on health and youth welfare in both the Senate and the National Assembly over the past 15 years.
Presenting research findings, Asif Iqbal, Managing Director of the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC), explained that since the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes has been frozen since February 2023, coupled with low inflation, tobacco products have become more affordable. He warned that, without swift corrective tax measures, nearly half a million new smokers—mostly youths—could be added in the next fiscal year. “A substantial tax hike is not just a public health measure; it’s a fiscal necessity,” he stated.
Zaheer Qureshi from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) shared progress on the Track and Trace System, which monitors goods like tobacco to combat tax evasion and illicit trade. The system aims to ensure transparency in supply chains and increase revenue collection.
Dr. Arsalan Haider, Director of the Tobacco Control Cell, emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and broader regulatory coverage, especially for emerging nicotine products.
Punjab MPA Tahira Mushtaq discussed her resolution passed in the Punjab Assembly to introduce a provincial tobacco levy and regulate e-cigarettes and vapes. Parliamentarians like MNA Sabeen Ghauri echoed her concern and stressed the need to modernize outdated laws to encompass all forms of nicotine consumption.
MNA Dr. Shazia Sobia and MNA Naeema Kishwar Khan both voiced support for increased tobacco taxes in the upcoming federal budget. Naeema also highlighted the need to support tobacco farmers by promoting alternative cash crops in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Civil society members, including Safdar Raza and Mumtaz Mughal from Aurat Foundation, emphasized that tobacco control is a broader societal issue impacting families, women, and economic development.
The event concluded with parliamentarians and stakeholders calling for decisive reforms: higher taxes, stronger laws, and unified enforcement to protect public health and the nation’s future.