As World celebrated No Tobacco Day on 31st May , the World Health Organization has dropped a bombshell: tobacco is not just killing Pakistanis—it’s torching the economy too. With *164,000 lives lost each year and an economic bloodbath exceeding *PKR 700 billion, WHO has declared tobacco use in Pakistan a full-blown national emergency.
“Every puff is poison,” warned WHO, calling for sky-high taxes on all tobacco products—no exceptions, no excuses. From cheap smokes to high-end brands, every product is a health grenade, especially deadly for children and teens.
The message is clear: boost taxes, slash smoking, save lives—and rescue the economy.
Following a tax hike in 2023, tobacco use dropped by *19.2%, and government revenue from cigarette duty soared by *66%—proof that taxation works. Yet despite this win, cigarette taxes haven’t moved since February 2023, leaving them dangerously affordable.
“No tobacco is safe. Not one. Not ever,” said Dr Dapeng Luo, WHO’s Representative in Pakistan.
“This is a war on our lungs, our wallets, and our future generations.”
Pakistan, a signatory of WHO’s global tobacco control treaty since 2004, is being urged to step up enforcement and raise taxes to at least 75% of retail price, as recommended. WHO is doubling down on its support to help the country crush the tobacco menace for good.
It’s time to choose: Health or Hazard? Progress or Poison?