Two-month relaxation for tobacco industry

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to defer the implementation of a notification for increasing the size of Graphical Health Warning (GHW) on cigarette packs for two months on the demands of tobacco industry and after concerns expressed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), The News has learnt.
The deadline for implementing the increased warning size expired yesterday (March 30). While confirming the decision, the minister for national health services, regulations and coordination (NHSRC) Saira Afzal Tarar said the tobacco manufacturers will be given another two months to increase health warning on cigarette packs to 85 % but the ministry will not withdraw its notification despite strong pressures from the industry.
“Even India has delayed the implementation of a similar notification after court objections so we will give the industry two more months to exhaust their existing stock and come up with new packs after that period,” she said while talking to The News.
“I have spoken about our resolve on the floor of the national assembly and we are absolutely determined that we will implement the notification,” she said.She said that Pakistan has fulfilled its obligations under Article 11 of the Framework convention of tobacco control.
According to official figures, about 100,000 Pakistanis lose their lives every year to tobacco-related diseases.The tobacco industry has warned that the large graphic warning will result in smuggling and huge revenue loss. The FBR has also expressed concerns over the potential revenue loss implications of the decision.
However the director general of health in the ministry of NHSRC Asad Hafeez said 85% GHW will not affect the revenue as the scientific studies have shown that existing tobacco users are not influenced by the warning messages.“We are targeting potential smokers of younger age as according to studies around 1000 to 1500 Pakistani children aged between 8 to 12 years start smoking every day,” Asad said.
Minister for finance Ishaq Dar had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Saira Afzal Tarar comprising cabinet secretary, secretary health, and member Inland Revenue FBR to discuss implications of the new initiative. The committee is expected to meet today (Tuesday) to analyze various aspects of the move. Sources said the FBR would submit its report showing revenue implications of the decision.
The ministry has also prepared its defence for the decision. A top official told The News that smuggling will not increase as a result of larger warning on cigarette packs as tobacco products are expensive in our neighbouring countries.