Smoking continues to pose a major public health and economic threat in Pakistan, claiming around 164,000 lives every year and inflicting massive financial damage on the national economy, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization.
The report highlights tobacco use as one of the country’s deadliest yet preventable causes of death.
According to the findings, tobacco-related illnesses cost Pakistan approximately $6.6 billion annually, translating to nearly Rs1,800 billion in economic losses each year. This burden includes healthcare spending, lost productivity, and premature deaths caused by smoking-related diseases.
The report notes that the economic damage from tobacco use is seven times higher than the revenue generated through tobacco taxation.
The WHO stated that Pakistan collects around Rs265 billion annually in taxes from the tobacco industry, but this figure pales in comparison to the financial and social cost imposed by smoking.
The organization warned that the imbalance highlights the urgent need for stronger tobacco control policies, including higher excise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Health experts cited in the report said tobacco use is directly linked to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses, and stroke.
The WHO estimates that one in every two tobacco users eventually dies from diseases caused by smoking, making it one of the most lethal consumer habits worldwide.
The report also raised serious concern about rising tobacco use among children and young people in Pakistan. According to global data referenced by the WHO, around 40 million children aged 13 to 15 begin using tobacco products every year.
Of these, approximately 20 million smoke cigarettes, while others consume smokeless tobacco or vaping products, increasing the risk of long-term addiction and early health complications.
Beyond active smokers, the WHO warned of the dangers of second-hand smoke, which kills 1.6 million non-smokers globally each year. Exposure to tobacco smoke in homes, public spaces, and workplaces continues to threaten vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Globally, smoking is responsible for nearly seven million deaths annually, reinforcing its status as a leading public health crisis. The WHO urged governments, including Pakistan, to accelerate enforcement of tobacco regulations, restrict advertising, and expand public awareness campaigns.
World No Tobacco Day will be observed in Pakistan on May 31, with health authorities and advocacy groups expected to use the occasion to highlight the dangers of smoking, promote smoke-free environments, and push for stronger action against tobacco addiction.
