Islamabad: On the occasion of World Anti-Tobacco Day, an awareness seminar was organized at local hotel in Islamabad.
The theme of World No Tobacco Day is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference and advocating for an end to the targeting of youth with harmful tobacco products”. The purpose of observing this day is to raise awareness about the human health risks associated with tobacco use and its harmful effects and to demand the government to impose a 37-40% tax on cigarettes in the budget 2024-25.
The speakers highlighted the importance of creating awareness among the public about the harmful effects of smoking and giving up the habit of smoking for a healthy life. In his address, the Federal Government’s spokesperson for legal affairs, Barrister Aqeel Malik, stated that smoking trends among young people are increasing and the government is urged to impose higher taxes by social societies. He mentioned that purchasing cigarettes is very difficult in Australia, where a pack of cigarettes costs 58 dollars. He emphasized the need to enforce existing laws in addition to taxing cigarettes. He further stated that imposing taxes on both local and imported cigarette industries would distance the younger generation from smoking.
Social worker Abdul Moeez Tariq expressed his thoughts, stating that smoking has become a fashion trend among today’s youth, which is alarming. He suggested that the government should make cigarettes more expensive to keep them out of reach of the younger generation.
Government should increase the price of cigarettes to keep them out of reach of young people. Pakistan loses 567 billion rupees in revenue due to favorable tax policies for international cigarette companies
Dr. Asif Iqbal, MD Social Policy and Development said that according to global health experts, tobacco use is the second leading cause of death after high blood pressure. After the government imposed a tax on cigarettes, 26 out of 100 people have reduced their smoking habit.
As responsible citizens, we urge the government to implement the track and trace system and impose a 37 to 40% tax on tobacco in the next fiscal year’s budget. The additional revenue generated can be used in health and education sectors.
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