Staff Reporter
A meeting of the “Civil Society Alliance” was held by Pakistan National Heart Association, where the deadly effects of tobacco use and the positive effects of the revenue collected from the implementation of the health levy were discussed.
The meeting was hosted by Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary, Pakistan National Heart Association Sana Ullah Ghumman said that it was important for any government to formulate appropriate policies and move the nation towards a safer and better future.
Pakistan sells 80 to 85 billion cigarettes every year, About 3 billion rupees worth of cigarettes are smoked in Pakistan every year, include 60 per cent teenage boys and girls, which add up to Rs 110 billion in federal excise duty and sales tax.
Tobacco users are at increased risk of heart cancer and respiratory diseases. Passing the Health Levy Bill was a good move by the government.
Now is the time to implement it. As a result, smoking will decrease and revenue will increase.
