Call for creating credible data on smoking in Pakistan.

Pakistan does not have authentic data on smoking which is the main cause of failure of all government policies to curb this menace. This is the top problem the government needs to address and make a vow on this World No Tobacco Day, believes Capital Calling, a network of academic researchers and professionals.

Tax policy on tobacco consumption is yet to achieve its goals, contrasting with successful efforts seen in other parts of the world through high taxation. It is because of the myth prevailing among policymakers that increasing taxes would hinder the revenue of the tobacco industry. Reports of groups of health activists run counter to this myth stating that in 2019, when the government tightened tax policies, the industry's tax contribution increased to 120 billion Pakistani rupees (Rs) compared to Rs 92 billion in 2016. Additionally, the tobacco industry's share of total tax collection rose from 2.15 percent to 3 percent in FY16.

Despite this empirical evidence proving that increasing tax on cigarette can reduce smoking, taxation policy remains weak in its battle against tobacco.

Pakistan does not have authentic data on smoking which is the main cause of failure of all government policies to curb this menace. This is the top problem the government needs to address and make a vow on this World No Tobacco Day, believes Capital Calling, a network of academic researchers and professionals.

Tax policy on tobacco consumption is yet to achieve its goals, contrasting with successful efforts seen in other parts of the world through high taxation. It is because of the myth prevailing among policymakers that increasing taxes would hinder the revenue of the tobacco industry. Reports of groups of health activists run counter to this myth stating that in 2019, when the government tightened tax policies, the industry's tax contribution increased to 120 billion Pakistani rupees (Rs) compared to Rs 92 billion in 2016. Additionally, the tobacco industry's share of total tax collection rose from 2.15 percent to 3 percent in FY16.

Despite this empirical evidence proving that increasing tax...