WHO wants 37pc hike in FED on cigarettes

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a 37% hike in the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes in Pakistan. This proposal aims to raise the tax share of retail prices to 70%, aligning with international standards for tobacco control.

Currently, the health ministry has proposed a 20% increase, but WHO's recommendation seeks to significantly enhance fiscal measures to discourage smoking and protect public health.

Increasing the Federal Excise Duty on cigarettes is a crucial public health strategy to reduce smoking rates, especially among youth and low-income populations. Higher taxes make cigarettes less affordable, thereby discouraging initiation and encouraging quitting.

Effective tobacco taxation can significantly decrease tobacco-related diseases and healthcare costs, ultimately saving lives and improving community health.

This proposed tax hike is a vital step in reducing tobacco consumption, which is a leading cause of preventable diseases and death worldwide. Strengthening tobacco control measures directly benefits public health by decreasing the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses.

Implementing higher taxes aligns with global health recommendations and can contribute to a healthier population in Pakistan.

Adjusting tobacco taxes is a key policy tool for governments aiming to control tobacco use. The WHO's recommendation supports policymakers in designing effective fiscal policies to combat tobacco addiction and its health impacts.

Adopting the proposed tax increase can also generate revenue that can be reinvested into public health programs.