Islamabad, GNP: Ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the severe health and economic burden caused by tobacco use in Pakistan, revealing that tobacco-related diseases kill approximately 164,000 people each year and result in economic losses exceeding PKR 1,800 billion (around US$6.6 billion).
According to WHO, the economic damage caused by tobacco is nearly seven times higher than the tobacco industry’s annual tax contribution to Pakistan, which stood at around PKR 265 billion in 2025.
The organization warned that tobacco and nicotine companies increasingly target children and young people by designing and marketing products that can lead to long-term addiction. WHO stressed that all tobacco and nicotine products including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as teenagers and children.
Tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, contributing to heart disease, lung conditions, strokes, and multiple forms of cancer. WHO stated that up to half of tobacco users who do not quit may die from tobacco-related illnesses.
To mark World No Tobacco Day, WHO launched its global campaign titled “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,“ aimed at exposing industry tactics used to attract younger generations.
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WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, emphasized that tobacco continues to destroy lives and economies, urging stronger tobacco control measures and increased taxation policies to reduce consumption.
WHO also highlighted that Pakistan has not increased Federal Excise Duty (FED) rates on cigarettes since February 2023, making tobacco products more affordable and keeping tax levels below WHO’s recommended threshold of 75% of retail prices.
Globally, tobacco kills more than seven million people every year, including around 1.6 million non-smokers affected by second-hand smoke, while millions of children and teenagers continue to use tobacco and vaping products.
