Islamabad:  A recent survey by Islamabad's Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD) showed a significant 18% drop in smoking rates in Pakistan, linked to rising cigarette prices.

This success highlights the effectiveness of high tobacco taxes, a strategy backed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

 The survey found a marked decrease in cigarette consumption, with 15% of respondents reporting they cut back due to higher prices. This translates to an estimated 11 billion fewer cigarettes smoked annually. It's important to note that Pakistan's total consumption, ranging from 72 to 80 billion sticks a year, includes taxed, smuggled and untaxed products.

Survey mentioned while these results are promising, Pakistan still has some of the world's cheapest cigarettes. This gap highlights the need for further tax increases to effectively curb smoking.

Survey also said government's decision to raise FED rates by 146% for cheaper brands and 154% for premium brands in 2023 has been a key factor in the decline; however these increases, cigarettes in Pakistan remain much cheaper than in countries of south Asia.

Director of CRD, Maryam Gul Tahir, urged the Pakistani government to build on these gains and continue raising cigarette prices to maintain the decline in smoking.

"Pakistan has a long way to go in tobacco taxation," she emphasizes. "Public health must be prioritized over industry interests," she said.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also advocate for stronger taxation, recognizing the link between higher prices and lower consumption.

The recent survey results, coupled with international examples, solidify the case for price hikes as an effective tool to reduce smoking rates.

The CRD survey said as Pakistan moves forward, evidence-based policies promoting public health and fiscal responsibility have become crucial while building on this momentum can lead to a healthier and more prosperous Pakistan.

The World Bank recommends a uniform tax structure for all tobacco products to further reduce consumption and boost government revenue. Their estimates suggest a significant revenue increase (0.4% of GDP) if the current tax rate on premium cigarettes is applied to standard cigarettes as well.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan's firm commitment to further expand bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, technology and defence.

He was talking to Turkiye Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, who called on him, in Islamabad on Monday.

The Prime Minister said the current level of bilateral trade is not commensurate with the existing bilateral ties. He emphasized to undertake concerted efforts for achieving the bilateral trade target of five billion dollars in the next three years as already agreed by the leadership of the two brotherly countries.

Shehbaz Sharif invited Turkish companies to further expand their investment portfolio in Pakistan. He said the Turkish companies may consider relocating their industrial units to Pakistan.

While underscoring the special bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relationship.

Regional and global developments, particularly the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, also came under discussion. The Prime Minister appreciated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's staunch advocacy for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in Middle East.

He stressed the urgency and importance of realization of the two-state solution as the key to attainment of durable peace in the Middle East.

Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to undertake an early official visit to Pakistan for co-chairing with Prime Minister the 7th meeting of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong and abiding support to each other on the core issues of national interest.

Karachi: The US dollar increased in value against the Pakistani Rupee in the interbank trading session on Monday.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP),  the greenback surged by nine paise against the local unit in the interbank trading to settle at Rs278.30.

The dollar closed at Rs278.21 in the interbank on the last trading day on Friday.

In the open market, the dollar appreciated four paise against the local currency to settle at Rs279.54.