Shehla Raza while addressing an event points out that increase in the prices of tobacco can make it out of reach of the youth

Islamabad: Member Parliaments calling the tobacco consumption as a menace for the youth and the nation stressed for the joint efforts to reduce the consumption in the country by increasing taxes on tobacco products.
This was agreed in an event, organized by the Human Development Foundation (HDF) and partner organizations, brought together policymakers, experts, activists, and stakeholders to discuss comprehensive approaches to combatting the widespread impact of tobacco consumption.
Addressing to the event chief guest Member National Assembly Shehla Raza said increase in the prices of tobacco can make it out of reach youth.
She also said entire nation and all stakeholders have to show responsibility to discourage tobacco consumption in the society.
Shehla Raza emphasized the importance of effective tobacco control measures in safeguarding public health and promoting societal well-being.
On this occasion Maryam Gul Tahir Director Pakistan-based think tank Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD) Survey shows that 18% quit smoking due to an increase in cigarette prices. The survey results have demonstrated that tax hikes promise a win-win for both the public health and the government revenue,” said Maryam Gul Tahir, Director CRD.
On this occasion MP Neelson Azeem said healthcare challenges stemming from tobacco-related illnesses in Pakistan. The nation faces an alarming annual healthcare burden of about PKR 615 billion. Mr. Azeem emphasized the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address tobacco consumption and its detrimental effects on public health and the economy.
During the event, WHO technical Advisor Shahzad Alam said World Health Organization's (WHO) present the study on illicit trade of tobacco and said overall, the illicit trade of cigarettes in Pakistan accounted for only 23.1% of the total trade against the claims of the tobacco industry. The findings underscore the effectiveness of high tobacco taxation as a vital measure in combating tobacco consumption, as is advocated by WHO.
Expert Muhammad Sabir, emphasized the benefits of increased tobacco taxation, which has already shown significant revenue growth, reaching PKR 122 billion between July 2023 and January 2024.
He said full-year projections exceed PKR 200 billion, representing a substantial increase compared to previous fiscal years.
The event concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration in the fight against tobacco use. The symposium provided a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration among stakeholders, reaffirming the collective resolve to implement evidence-based strategies for tobacco control in Pakistan.

Amazon’s Thursday Night Football broadcasts add more AI to the NFL
- 4 hours ago
Asia Cup T20: Bangladesh defeat Afghanistan by 8 runs
- 9 hours ago

Wrestlepalooza 2025: Date, time, channel, card, how to watch
- 3 hours ago
First ODI: Sidra Ameen’s ton helps Pakistan women set South Africa 256-run target
- 11 hours ago

Microsoft avoids EU fine after Slack complained about Teams bundling
- 4 hours ago

Why free speech can be so contentious
- 2 hours ago

The Supreme Court is about to decide one of the biggest economic policy cases ever
- 2 hours ago

Roku wants you to see a lot more AI-generated ads
- 4 hours ago

Nintendo Direct September 2025: all the news and trailers
- 4 hours ago

Sierra CEO Bret Taylor on why the AI bubble feels like the dotcom boom
- 4 hours ago
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Twelve killed in Malaysia landslides after week-long downpour
- 9 hours ago

You can now play Silksong on flagship Android phones — and pick up where you left off on PC
- 4 hours ago