ISLAMABAD: Health advocates, led by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of Child (SPARC), emphasize the urgent need for Pakistan to increase tobacco taxes, particularly on cigarettes.
According to a press statement issued by SPARC on Wednesday, Malik Imran Ahmed of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) stresses that higher cigarette taxes deter smoking, especially among youth and low-income individuals. These measures could significantly reduce smoking-related diseases and healthcare costs, which currently burden Pakistan’s economy by Rs 615.07 billion (US$3.85 billion), equivalent to 1.6% of GDP annually.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Program Manager at SPARC, highlights that raising cigarette taxes not only protects children and marginalized communities but also provides crucial funds for healthcare and tobacco control initiatives.
He emphasized that revenue generated from increased cigarette taxes can be allocated towards bolstering healthcare infrastructure, funding public health initiatives, and implementing comprehensive tobacco control programs aimed at preventing tobacco use initiation and supporting smoking cessation efforts.
