May 2024 Newsletter

The May 2024 issue focuses on tobacco consumption in Pakistan and the need for stronger public-health action. The lead story discusses a study by Lahore University of Management Sciences which says tobacco consumption has not declined in Pakistan. The study says frequent increases in Federal Excise Duty have affected the legal cigarette industry, while illicit cigarette sales have increased.

The newsletter explains that the LUMS study estimates a major tax loss because of the rise in illicit cigarettes. It says a balanced tax policy, wider tax base, better enforcement, and public awareness are needed to reduce tax evasion and illegal cigarette trade.

The issue also includes Global Action to End Smoking’s response to a World Health Organization alert. Global Action says it is independent and transparent, and that its work supports research and education to help end smoking-related disease and death.

Other stories focus on World No Tobacco Day 2024 and Pakistan’s need for stronger tobacco control. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for joint efforts to build a tobacco-free Pakistan. Health experts also urged the government to set up hospitals for oral cancer treatment because smokeless tobacco and cigarettes are major causes of oral cancer in the country.

The newsletter also highlights ARI’s call for effective and accessible smoking cessation services in districts, tehsils, and union councils across Pakistan. It explains that quitting smoking brings health benefits quickly and these benefits continue for many years.

• The main story says tobacco consumption has not declined in Pakistan.
• A LUMS study says illicit cigarette sales have increased after major tax hikes.
• The study warns that tax evasion in the cigarette sector may cause a large revenue loss.
• Better enforcement, wider tax collection, and public awareness are needed to reduce illegal cigarette trade.
• Global Action to End Smoking responded to a WHO alert and defended its independence and transparency.
• The Prime Minister called for joint efforts to build a tobacco-free Pakistan.
• Health experts urged the government to set up hospitals for oral cancer treatment.
• ARI called for effective and accessible smoking cessation services across Pakistan.
• Quitting smoking gives health benefits within minutes and continues to reduce health risks over many years.

The main story discusses a Lahore University of Management Sciences study which says tobacco consumption has not declined in Pakistan. It says higher cigarette taxes have reduced the share of duty-paid cigarettes, while illicit cigarette sales have increased. The study warns that tax evasion in the cigarette sector may cause a major revenue loss for the government.