The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that tobacco use claims approximately 164,000 lives in Pakistan each year and inflicts economic damage exceeding $6.6 billion annually. The warning came ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, as WHO launched a global campaign urging governments to strengthen measures against tobacco and nicotine addiction, particularly among young people.
Economic Impact Far Exceeds Tax Revenue
According to WHO, tobacco-related economic losses in Pakistan amount to more than Rs1,800 billion ($6.6 billion) per year. This figure is roughly seven times higher than the tobacco industry's total tax contribution to the country, which stood at around Rs265 billion ($945 million) in 2025. The stark disparity highlights the heavy burden tobacco places on the nation's economy beyond government revenues.
Health Consequences and Youth Targeting
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Dapeng Luo emphasized the deadly nature of tobacco. "Tobacco is a killer. Tobacco is killing our loved ones and our families, and it also has a devastating impact on public health and on our economies," he said in a statement. "Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don't quit. Make no mistake, all tobacco products on the market, licit and illicit, without exception, are extremely toxic and dangerous."
WHO noted that tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, contributing to cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung disease, and multiple forms of cancer. The agency warned that tobacco and nicotine companies are increasingly redesigning and marketing products to attract younger consumers. "Children and youth are particularly exposed to and targeted by the tobacco and nicotine industries, which design their products to get young people stuck in a cycle of addiction," WHO said.
World No Tobacco Day 2026 Campaign
This year's World No Tobacco Day campaign carries the theme "Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction." The focus is on how tobacco companies market products such as e-cigarettes and other nicotine items to younger audiences while attempting to bypass stricter regulations. WHO cited global data showing at least 40 million children aged 13 to 15 currently use at least one tobacco product, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
Call for Stronger Taxation Policies
The organization urged Pakistan to strengthen tobacco taxation policies, noting that cigarette taxes have not increased since February 2023, effectively making tobacco products more affordable despite inflation. WHO recommends that taxes account for at least 75 percent of the retail price of tobacco products, but Pakistan remains below that threshold. "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," the organization said.
Pakistan ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004 and has collaborated with WHO on tobacco tax policy and anti-smuggling measures, including track-and-trace systems for tobacco products.
