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Tax on addictive products
The Health Ministry’s proposal for a 20% increase in the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes, along with the WHO’s recommendation of a 37% hike to meet international standards, represents a significant advancement in both public health and fiscal policy.
Anti-tobacco activists have long advocated for such measures, emphasizing that this initiative is primarily about safeguarding public health rather than merely boosting revenue. Internationally, high tax rates have consistently proven effective in reducing the consumption of harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.
Research indicates that every 10% increase in cigarette prices results in approximately a 4% decrease in consumption. With over 30 million tobacco users in Pakistan, this policy could also serve as a substantial revenue source, potentially generating an additional Rs. 60 billion in GST from cigarettes for the fiscal year—a significant sum that could be redirected to other healthcare initiatives.
Heavily taxing addictive products or those with little to no nutritional value is a universally accepted positive practice. This approach not only boosts revenue but also leads to significant improvements in public health. Tobacco consumption in Pakistan contributes to over 160,000 deaths annually, with smoking-related illnesses costing the nation at least 1.4% of its GDP.
Implementing higher taxes on cigarettes will play a crucial role in mitigating these adverse effects. The potential health benefits, coupled with the fiscal gains, underscore the importance of prioritizing public health over the vested interests of the tobacco industry. However, the success of this policy will heavily depend on the government’s ability to curb cigarette smuggling and tax evasion.
Addressing cigarette smuggling and tax evasion is critical for the effectiveness of the proposed tax hike. The government must implement robust measures to combat cross-border smuggling and ensure strict enforcement of tax laws. Additionally, embedding cost recovery mechanisms and considering automatic adjustments to excise taxes will be essential for policymakers to withstand pressure from the tobacco industry. Such measures will help in building a healthier nation by ensuring sustained reductions in tobacco consumption. Ultimately, prioritizing public health through effective taxation policies on addictive products will yield long-term benefits for both the economy and the well-being of the populace.
MUAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Liars don’t survive for long
Liars don’t survive for long. This will be Narendra Modi’s last term as PM of India. Right from the day he became the PM, he has been speaking one lie after another. The people of India have lost trust in him. His hateful speeches has faced a setback, as evident from the Lok Sabha results where the BJP lost 63 seats, as compared to the last elections that was held in 2019.
After hearing his hurtful words against Muslims and Christians, the people must have realised that this time they’ve crossed the line. He is one of the worst and most corrupted Prime Minister India has ever had. He is the epitome of stupidity in Indian politics, constructing his narrative on provocation, aggression and hate.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Minorities
in Pakistan
Although the general public and politicians are concerned with the status of minorities in India, there is no debate about their status in our country. Everyone points to the BJP-led Modi government’s hatred towards minorities, particularly Muslims, whom Modi called infiltrators, but no one cares about the minorities in our own country.
The state institutions show little concern about the radicalization of society and have failed to provide the constitutional rights guaranteed to all citizens. Politicians also show no concern for minorities, using religion for their political scoring.
No single election in our recent history has led to a debate about whether the poll will be a turning point for the plurality of a society or not. Our debate only revolves around free and fair elections, civil-military relations and the role of the establishment, because we are trapped in these issues, and everything else goes unnoticed.
NASIR WAZIR
North Waziristan
Box letter
Animal welfare
The recent shocking incident of a dog being thrown from a balcony in Karachi’s Liaquatabad has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter laws against animal cruelty in Pakistan. However, this event is just one example of a pervasive issue across the country. From political rallies to everyday mistreatment of animals like donkeys and horses, Pakistan grapples with systemic animal abuse. Even zoos in the country are known for poor welfare standards. Despite international concern and the teachings of Islam emphasizing compassion towards animals, the existing animal rights law, dating back to 1890, is outdated. Efforts like the Halal Authority Act of 2015 have seen minimal implementation. Pakistan needs a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue, moving beyond outdated laws and cultural attitudes. Recognizing animals as sentient beings and assigning responsibility for their welfare to a national-level ministry is crucial. Implementing welfare standards for farm animals and comprehensive neutering programs for stray dogs are essential steps. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate citizens on preventing cruelty towards animals.
KAJAL MANSHAD
Lahore
