SPDC highlights worsening tobacco epidemic
Each year, Pakistan suffers the loss of approximately 163,000 lives due to tobacco-related diseases. The economic impact is equally alarming, with tobacco-related health costs now exceeding $6 billion annually, SPDC said, adding: 'This staggering loss is almost 9 times higher than the second tranche of $700 million under the 2024 IMF Stand-by Arrangement, revealing the scale at which tobacco consumption is draining national resources — quietly, but consistently.'
As per data, nearly one in every five adults in Pakistan uses tobacco in some form, with the number of tobacco users estimated at over 30 million, including 17 million smokers. Even more concerning is the rising number of young smokers, with more than 1,200 children aged 10–14 reportedly taking up smoking each day.
This is a national emergency that demands sustained attention and policy action. The tobacco industry's ability to keep prices low and ensure widespread availability, especially in low-income communities and near schools, has fuelled the growth of this epidemic, experts said.
Speaking on behalf of SPDC, Asif Iqbal, Managing Director for SPDC, stated, 'Tobacco use is not just a personal health risk — it is a national development crisis. Every cigarette smoked chips away at our economic productivity, pushes families into poverty through health care costs, and shortens lives that could have contributed in some way to our society. The idea that cigarettes remain affordable while we lose thousands of lives each year is both tragic and unacceptable. Pakistan cannot afford the cost of inaction.'
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Every individual: Aseefa for renewed commitment to health, dignity and empowerment
ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: On the occasion of World Population Day 2025, the First Lady of Pakistan Aseefa Bhutto Zardari calls for a renewed national commitment to the health, dignity, and empowerment of every individual; especially women, children, and youth across the country. 'On this day, we are reminded not only of numbers, but of the lives and stories behind them—of the mothers, children, and families who form the heart of our nation,' said the First Lady. 'Our focus must remain on ensuring that every mother is healthy, every child is safe, and every family is given the opportunity to thrive.' Pakistan continues to face critical challenges in maternal health, child welfare, and youth empowerment. In her message, the First Lady emphasized the urgent need for investment in family planning, education, social protection, and reproductive health services, the cornerstones of a strong and inclusive society. 'This is not merely a matter of development, it is a matter of dignity, equity, and justice. By prioritizing the well-being of our people, we secure the future of our nation,' she stated. The theme for this year's World Population Day, empowering young people to shape the families they want in a fair and hopeful world, resonates deeply with Pakistan, where a majority of the population is under the age of 30. The First Lady underscored the importance of creating opportunities for young people to lead fulfilling lives, free from discrimination, and equipped with the tools to make informed choices. 'Our youth are not only our future, they are our present. We must ensure they have access to quality education, comprehensive healthcare, economic opportunities, and a voice in decisions that affect them,' said HE Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. 'Empowering them is essential to building a just, peaceful, and sustainable Pakistan.' On this World Population Day, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of all Pakistanis and called on stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to work in unity toward a future where every life is valued and every generation is empowered, reminding them of the words of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, 'I dream of a Pakistan, of an Asia, of a world where every pregnancy is planned and every child conceived is nurtured, loved, educated, and supported.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business Recorder
Illegal cigarette market in Pakistan: Govt urged to prioritise anti-smuggling measures
KARACHI: Fawad Khan, spokesperson for Mustehkam Pakistan, has emphasised that 'Illicit trade is draining the country's resources and undermining its ability to function effectively. We hope the World Health Organization considers that further tax increases could unintentionally encourage the illegal cigarette market in Pakistan.' He further stated that while legal cigarette manufacturers contribute nearly all of the sector's tax revenue, they face growing pressure from untaxed and illicit products, many of which do not carry mandatory health warnings. 'Unless enforcement is strengthened, additional tax hikes may prove counterproductive by driving more consumers toward illicit brands,' he warned. Instead of focusing solely on tax increases, Pakistan must prioritise anti-illicit trade enforcement, as higher taxes without strong implementation may shift more consumers toward illegal products rather than reducing tobacco use. Current data revealed that the compliant tobacco sector generates nearly 98% of total tobacco tax revenue, yet holds just 46% of the market share. Meanwhile, untaxed and illegal products now account for over half of the market, resulting in an estimated annual loss of Rs 415 billion to the national exchequer. While the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to advocate for higher tobacco taxation as part of its efforts to reduce smoking, experts cautioned that ignoring the rampant illicit trade could undermine both public health objectives and revenue gains. If not addressed, further tax hikes may inadvertently fuel the black market for cigarettes. Fawad Khan emphasised that policy momentum must now be translated into action, including the implementation of a robust Track & Trace system, closing legal loopholes, and enhancing coordination among the FBR, Customs, and law enforcement agencies. He noted that similar digital monitoring mechanisms in the sugar and cement sectors have significantly improved revenue collection and could yield similar results in the tobacco sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business Recorder
Inspections during Ashura: PFA seals 24 beverage units, discards substandard drinks
LAHORE: Special enforcement teams of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed 24 beverage units and discarded thousands of litres of unsafe drinks during a large scale inspection drive launched in connection with Ashura. The inspection campaign was carried out to ensure the provision of safe beverages and water at sabeels across the province. Food safety teams inspected 720 beverage, water and juice units. A total of 24 units were sealed over violations of food safety laws while 216 units were fined Rs5.419 million. Moreover, 228 units were issued improvement notices due to unhygienic practices. DG PFA Asim Javaid said that food safety teams discarded 7,400 litres of juice and beverages over 1,000 litres of water and more than 80kg of expired chemical ingredients. These included prohibited and expired substances being used in drinks meant for sabeels. He said teams found serious violations such as poor hygiene conditions, insect infestation and lack of medical certificates of food handlers. He added that mixtures prepared with banned and expired ingredients were also recovered and discarded on the sp Director general further stated that inspections are being carried out in two shifts daily by specially deployed Muharram food safety teams. He said that checking of sabeels and langar points near majalis and roadside camps is underway, along with public awareness efforts. He has requested the public to play its role in ensuring safe food by making informed choices and reporting violations on PFA helpline 1223. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
