Pakistan Chest Society Urges Heavy Tax on Cigarettes
In 2019, the total cost accountable to all smoking-related diseases and deaths in Pakistan was Rs 615.07 billion
Pakistan Chest Society (PCS), a representative body of chest specialists, has demanded hefty tax on cigarettes in the federal budget 2021-22.
Talking to News360, Professor Nisar Ahmad Rao, Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases Director, quoted some alarming figures from the Pakistan Institute Development Economics (PIDE) report.
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Prof Nisar stated that Rs 615.07 billion ($3.85 billion) is the total cost accountable to all smoking-related diseases and deaths in Pakistan in 2019 which is five times greater than the overall tax revenue the government generated from the tobacco industry in the same year, Rs 120 billion.
The death toll reported by the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 shows that more than 160,000 people die in Pakistan every year owing to tobacco consumption.
Dr Shireen Khan of Bolan Medical College Quetta suggested curbing the rising trend of smoking in Pakistan with increased taxation.
She said it would be a cost-effective tobacco control measure that would be reflected in the prices of cigarettes and discourage the hazardous habit.
Although the federal cabinet announced to impose Rs 10 health levy (sin tax) per cigarette pack last year, it was never put into action, Prof Javaid Khan of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) told News360.
Attending an event at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on World No-Tobacco Day in May, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan noted more than 7 million deaths are reported globally because of direct consumption of tobacco.
PRC, Tobacco Smoke Free Cities Project of M/O NHSRC, Govt of #Pakistan & WHO signed “Letter of Intent” to regulate and discourage #tobacco use among masses especially the youth.@PRC_official, @nhsrcofficial #CommitToQuit pic.twitter.com/ZBrdY0GgxY
— WHO Pakistan (@WHOPakistan) May 31, 2021
WHO Country Office Head Dr Palitha Mahipala mentioned that over 400 people in Pakistan invite daily death due to tobacco use.
