‘Tobacco intake menace for youth’

Islamabad:Member of parliaments have called the tobacco consumption as a menace for the youth and the nation and stressed for the joint efforts to reduce the consumption in the country by increasing taxes on tobacco products.

This was agreed in an event organised by the Human Development Foundation (HDF) and partner organisations, bringing together policymakers, experts, activists, and stakeholders to discuss comprehensive approaches to combating the widespread impact of tobacco consumption.

Addressing the event chief guest Member National Assembly Shehla Raza said increase in the prices of tobacco can make it out of reach of youth.She also said the entire nation and all stakeholders have to show responsibility to discourage tobacco consumption in the society.

Shehla Raza emphasized the importance of effective tobacco control measures in safeguarding public health and promoting societal well-being.On the occasion Maryam Gul Tahir Director Pakistan-based think tank Centre for Research and Dialogue (CRD) Survey shows that 18% quit smoking due to an increase in cigarette prices. The survey results have demonstrated that tax hikes promise a win-win for both the public health and the government revenue,” said Maryam Gul Tahir, Director CRD.

MP Neelson Azeem said healthcare challenges stemming from tobacco-related illnesses in Pakistan. The nation faces an alarming annual healthcare burden of about Rs615 billion. Azeem emphasised the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address tobacco consumption and its detrimental effects on public health and the economy.

Expert Muhammad Sabir, emphasized the benefits of increased tobacco taxation, which has already shown significant revenue growth, reaching Rs122 billion between July 2023 and January 2024.