Islamabad: The rising trend of tobacco consumption, including emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products, poses a grave threat to Pakistan’s youth. Each year, tobacco use claims more than 160,000 lives in the country. Even more alarming is that nearly 1,200 children aged between 6 and 15 start smoking every single day. The increasing popularity of these newer products among young people adds another layer to this growing health crisis, endangering future generations and weighing heavily on the nation’s economy. Without swift regulation of these emerging products, Pakistan risks reversing the progress made in tobacco control.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Program Manager at SPARC, underscored the seriousness of the issue, stating, “If we fail to act now, our children will inherit a future dominated by severe health challenges, including life-threatening diseases. The youth are the backbone of Pakistan’s progress, and their well-being must be safeguarded at all costs.” He further added, “Tobacco—whether in traditional forms or newer alternatives like e-cigarettes—is stealing our children’s future. We need decisive action today to avoid a public health catastrophe tomorrow.”
The economic cost of tobacco consumption in Pakistan is equally alarming. Smoking-related diseases and premature deaths drain the economy of nearly Rs. 615 billion annually—equivalent to 1.6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Dr. Khalil Ahmad stressed, “This economic loss is unacceptable. The revenue lost to tobacco-related harm could revolutionize our education and healthcare sectors.” He emphasized, “Higher tobacco taxes, coupled with strict regulation of emerging tobacco products, are more than just revenue generation—they are investments in a healthier, stronger Pakistan. This money could be used to build schools, improve hospitals, and provide essential services to millions of people.”
The tobacco industry’s claims that higher taxes on cigarettes may push consumers toward cheaper, untaxed alternatives and fuel illicit trade are largely overstated and misleading. These arguments are now being extended to emerging tobacco products as well. Dr. Ahmad pointed out, “The tobacco industry’s claims about illicit trade are exaggerated and self-serving. They use these narratives to protect their profits at the cost of public health. The reality is that strong tax policies, along with comprehensive regulation of newer tobacco products, can counter illicit trade without compromising health policies. The industry’s misleading figures should not dictate public health decisions.”
Moreover, as a signatory to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Pakistan has a responsibility to adhere to its international commitments. Dr. Khalil Ahmad remarked, “Pakistan cannot afford to fall behind on its global obligations. The regulation of emerging tobacco products, along with higher cigarette taxes, is not just a national necessity—they are international responsibilities.”
SPARC calls on policymakers to understand the long-term benefits of regulating emerging tobacco products alongside enhancing tobacco taxation. By prioritizing the health of future generations and adopting robust fiscal and regulatory measures, Pakistan can reduce its economic burden, save lives, and build a healthier, more prosperous future.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad concluded, “This is not just about numbers—it’s about lives. The growing appeal of emerging tobacco products among our youth demands immediate attention. We must act now. The choices we make today will shape the health and prosperity of our nation for generations to come.”
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