Islamabad: An important event aimed at solving the critical issue of tobacco control in Pakistan, distinguished organizations and individuals were invited to a policy dialogue organized by the Human Development Fund (HDF) in association with partner organizations such as SPARC, Aurat Foundation, Chromatic Trust. , Social. Policy Development Center (SPDC), Indus Hospital and Health System. The Policy Dialogue on Tobacco Tax brings together policymakers, experts, activists and stakeholders to discuss a comprehensive approach to combating the effects of tobacco use in Pakistan.
Mr. Usman Shaukat, HDF’s Chief Strategy and Design Officer, highlighted the organization’s multifaceted efforts in the fight against tobacco and emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing this public health problem. Speakers and panelists addressed various aspects of tobacco taxation and regulation and shared insights important to policy dialogue.
Dr. Nelson Azeem, Member of the National Assembly, highlighted the health problems arising from tobacco-related diseases in Pakistan. The nation faces a healthcare burden of around PKR 615 billion every year.
The Chief Economist of the Social Policy and Development Center (SPDC), Mr. Muhammad Sabir, highlighted the benefits of increasing the tobacco tax and said that it could have a positive impact on public health and government revenue. From July 2023 to January 2024, the revenue from tobacco tax has reached PKR 122 billion. With full year estimates exceeding PKR 200 billion, this figure represents a significant growth compared to the previous fiscal year. These results demonstrate the success of excise tax reform as a dual strategy for economic health and growth.
The policy dialogue also included speeches by experts such as Ms. Maryam Gul Tahir, Director of the Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD) and Mr. Shahzad Alam, Technical Adviser on Tobacco Control, World Health Organization (WHO). Impact insights and research findings on the impact of tobacco taxes and illicit trade. Wahyu Mr. Alamy on Pakistan’s illegal tobacco trade, which accounts for 23% of the total cigarette market, highlights the complexity of dealing with tobacco-related issues.
The panel discussion on tobacco taxation facilitated an inclusive dialogue between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, tobacco control activists and members of parliament. The Council explores various strategies and policy measures to effectively address tobacco consumption through tax mechanisms.
The Honorable Chief Guest, Ms. Shehla Raza, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, gave a valuable perspective from the perspective of a policymaker, stressing the importance of anti-tobacco measures in protecting public health and improving public welfare.
The event ended with a commitment to continue working together in the fight against tobacco. The symposium provided a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration among stakeholders, underscoring the collective resolve to implement evidence-based strategies for tobacco control in Pakistan.
