The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the devastating toll of tobacco use in Pakistan, which claims approximately 164,000 lives annually and drains the economy of over PKR 700 billion (roughly US$ 2.5 billion).
Calling the crisis both a public health emergency and an economic threat, WHO is urging to implement stronger tobacco control measures—particularly through significantly higher taxes—to curb consumption, save lives, and ease the national burden.
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The organization said all tobacco products on the market, without exception and regardless of its manufacturer, are extremely harmful to health and pose a major risk to vulnerable populations such as children and teenagers.
As World No Tobacco Day – observed on 31 May – approaches, WHO reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Pakistan to address the chronic health crisis caused by tobacco.
