Locals react as multinational tobacco firms introduce low-price cigarettes in markets 

Lahore: The multinational tobacco companies have introduced a low-priced cigarette product in the local market.

The local manufacturers and organizations, however, expressed serious concerns.

Malik Imran, representative of campaign for Tobacco Free Kids stated that the Federal Excise Act, 2005 says, “No manufacturer or importer of cigarette can introduce or sell a new cigarette brand variant at the same existing brand family at a price lower than the lowest actual price of the existing variant of the same brand family.

For the purposes of this restriction, the current minimum price variant of the existing brand means the lowest price of a brand variation on the day of the announcement of Budget".

He said it has been observed that Pakistan Tobacco Company, a multinational subsidiary of British American Tobacco, has introduced a new product, Capstan International, at the price of Rs164.

Malik quoted the relevant laws: “For the purpose of levy, collection and payment of duty at the rates specified in column 4, no cigarette manufacturer shall reduce retail price from the level adopted on the day of the announcement of the latest budget.”

Marlboro brand belonging to Philip Morris International falls in serial number 9. However, they have introduced “Crafted by Marlboro” in serial number 10.

Dr. Hassan Shehzad, from IIUI, said that the WHO guidelines mention that "Parties (countries) should require the tobacco industry and those working to further its interests to operate and act in a manner that is accountable and transparent. The tobacco industry should be required to provide Parties with information for effective implementation of these guidelines.

Tobacco expert Dr. Muhammad Zia said neither a company, nor any retailer can sell cigarettes by violating federal excise law.