ISLAMABAD – Health activists, through a press release by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), have called for the government to prioritize health and economic agendas by increasing taxes on cigarettes.
This call comes in conjunction with the upcoming negotiations on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Agreement and the crucial Budget Planning for 2024-25.
With a focus on long-term public health and economic stability, Malik Imran Ahmad, Country Head of CTFK, has emphasized the interconnected relationship between reduced tobacco consumption, improved health outcomes, and enhanced revenue streams. He has affirmed that prioritizing tobacco taxation in the forthcoming budget would not only safeguard public health but also help the nation achieve its fiscal targets and commitments.
To propel health and the economy forward, Ahmad has advocated for a 26.6% Federal Excise Duty (FED) increase on cigarettes, a move projected to recuperate 19.8% of healthcare expenditures associated with smoking-related diseases. He has emphasized that this measure aligns with the impending IMF Agreement negotiations, contributing substantially to revenue generation crucial for budgetary allocations.
In his statement, Ahmad has further highlighted that the government would benefit from increased revenue from tobacco products, potentially averting the need for an increase in petrol prices and subsequent rises in commodity prices. This strategic approach would provide much-needed relief to the public amid economic challenges.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, has stressed the pivotal role of increased cigarette taxes in deterring tobacco use among youth and low-income individuals. Dr. Dogar has reiterated that higher prices serve as effective deterrents, particularly for price-sensitive demographics such as youth and the low-income population. He has urged the government to leverage tobacco taxation not only to curb smoking initiation among youth but also to fortify public health initiatives and healthcare services.
Dr. Dogar has emphasized that policymakers must fulfill their electoral promises by taking decisive action against the tobacco industry. This includes continuous and consistent raises in tobacco taxation, the implementation of a single tax tier system, across-the-board implementation of the Track and Trace System, and maintaining a clear separation from the tobacco industry.
