A strong collective voice from parliamentarians, public health experts, and civil society leaders has called for a significant increase in tobacco taxation in Pakistan.
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WHO warns Pakistan: raise tobacco tax or face disaster
Islamabad, May 27, 2025 – In a powerful and urgent appeal, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning to Pakistan: raise tobacco tax now or brace for even more staggering human and economic losses.
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No new taxes on tobacco crop, assures law minister
ISLAMABAD, May 17 — Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Friday assured the National Assembly that no new regulations or taxes have been imposed on the tobacco sector, particularly on the crop or landowners in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Pakistan considers tax relief for tobacco sector in FY26 budget
The federal government is currently evaluating a proposal to extend significant tax relief to the tobacco sector in the forthcoming federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. Industry representatives have reportedly submitted two key demands: the creation of a third excise duty tier with a lower rate of Rs 2,525 per 1,000 cigarette sticks, and a reduction in the current federal excise duty (FED) from Rs 5,050 to Rs 3,800 per 1,000 sticks.
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Smoking poses serious health risks: FBR mulls cigarette FED hike
Islamabad, May 11, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is actively considering a significant increase in the federal excise duty (FED) on cigarettes in the upcoming 2025–26 budget, citing the severe health risks posed by smoking.
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Foreign tobacco giants urge Aurangzeb to reform duty structure
Islamabad, May 9, 2025 – Major international tobacco companies have urged Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to reform Pakistan’s excise duty framework in order to combat illicit trade, increase tax revenue, and stabilize the formal tobacco sector.
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PTC Highlights TTS Failures in Tackling Illicit Tobacco Trade
Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) has expressed concerns that the implementation of the Track and Trace System (TTS) has not been effective in curbing the illicit trade of cigarettes as originally intended.
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SDPI Unmasks Tobacco Industry’s Economic Manipulations
Islamabad, March 24, 2025 – Dr. Waseem Iftikhar Janjua, Senior Advisor at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), has raised serious concerns regarding the manipulative tactics employed by the tobacco industry, particularly in tax evasion and policy influence.
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Presence of Illicit Cigarettes: A Failure of Authorities
The widespread availability of smuggled and illicit cigarettes in local markets highlights the failure of authorities responsible for curbing the illegal trade.
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Pakistan Curbs Cigarette Consumption Through Strict Tax Policies
Karachi, March 16, 2025 – Pakistan has successfully achieved a significant reduction in cigarette consumption by implementing stringent taxation policies, marking a crucial step in its public health efforts.
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