Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don’t quit, overstretches health systems and also harms non-smokers, and has a particular impact on children and vulnerable populations. Image: WHO 27 May 2025, Islamabad, Pakistan – The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Pakistan is losing 164 000 lives and PKR (Pakistani Rupees) 700 billion (approximately US$ 2.5 billion) annually due to the devastating impacts of tobacco on public health and is calling for urgent measures – including increased taxation – to save lives. All tobacco products on the market, without exception and regardless of its manufacturer, are extremely harmful to health and pose a major risk to vulnerable populations such as children and teenagers.
As World No Tobacco Day – observed on 31 May – approaches, WHO reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Pakistan to address the chronic health crisis caused by tobacco. WHO advocates for taxation to be used as a tool to reduce consumption while increasing revenues that can be directed towards health and development priorities.
Without additional measures, the harmful impact of tobacco on public health and the national economy will continue to jeopardize Pakistan’s efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Research has shown that tobacco taxation is effective in increasing revenues for the Government while also reducing consumption, tobacco-related diseases and pressure on health systems. In 2023, following a tax increase on tobacco products in Pakistan, tobacco use declined by 19.2%, with 26.3% of smokers cutting down on cigarette consumption. Revenue collection from the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes increased by 66%, from PKR 142 billion in 2022–23 to 237 billion in 2023–24.
In Pakistan, FED rates on cigarettes have not increased since February 2023 – making them more affordable – and taxation levels remain below WHO’s recommended 75% of the retail price. This presents an opportunity to strengthen control measures.
Pakistan ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004, and WHO provides continuous technical support to the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination and the Federal Board of Revenue in areas such as tobacco tax policy and track-and-trace implementation.
“There is no such thing as a safe tobacco product. Tobacco is a devastating burden on public health, for the economy, for our children and for our grandchildren. Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don’t quit, overstretches health systems and also harms non-smokers in our communities and families. Make no mistake, all tobacco products on the market – without exception – are extremely toxic and dangerous,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo.
WHO stands with the Government of Pakistan as it strives to reduce tobacco consumption and save lives.
About WHO
Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with 194 Member States in 150+ locations – so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. For more information, visit https://www.emro.who.int/countries/pak/index.html. Follow WHO Pakistan on Twitter and Facebook.
For additional information, please contact:
Maryam Yunus, National Professional Officer – Communications, WHO Pakistan, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (copying This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it