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.
As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, the WHO has revealed a health crisis of explosive proportions, painting a picture of a nation suffocating under the deadly weight of tobacco addiction.
According to WHO, tobacco is claiming 164,000 Pakistani lives every year while draining PKR 700 billion (approximately US$ 2.5 billion) annually from the economy. That’s not just a public health disaster – it’s a national emergency. In a bold statement, WHO has demanded an urgent increase in tobacco tax, calling it a life-saving measure that Pakistan can no longer afford to delay.
“All tobacco products, without exception and regardless of manufacturer, are lethal,” emphasized WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Dapeng Luo. “Tobacco is a merciless killer, destroying families, overburdening our hospitals, and stealing futures. There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ tobacco product.”
Research proves that tobacco tax works. Following Pakistan’s 2023 hike in the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes, tobacco use plummeted by 19.2%, and more than a quarter of smokers reduced their cigarette intake. In a win-win outcome, government revenue from tobacco taxation skyrocketed by 66%, from PKR 142 billion to 237 billion in just one year.
Despite this success, Pakistan hasn’t raised tobacco tax since February 2023, leaving cigarettes more affordable and undermining public health gains. The current taxation level still lags behind the WHO’s recommended 75% of the retail price, leaving a gaping policy gap that experts say must be closed – immediately.
WHO stresses that without decisive action, the tobacco epidemic will continue to derail Pakistan’s progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and threaten future generations.
Having ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004, Pakistan is obligated to act. WHO stands firmly with the Government, offering ongoing technical support to the Ministry of Health and the Federal Board of Revenue on tobacco tax policy and enforcement.
The message from WHO is clear and uncompromising: raise tobacco tax now – save lives, protect futures, and rescue Pakistan’s economy.