CSOs urge governments to allocate dedicated resources for Tobacco Control in FY 2026–27

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Mar, 2026) National Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco and Nicotine Control (NASTNC) has called upon the Federal and Provincial governments to allocate dedicated financial resources for tobacco control initiatives in the upcoming fiscal budget 2026–27.

NASTNC mentioned that meaningful tobacco control cannot be achieved without sustained investment and strong political commitment, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

The alliance stressed that allocating specific funds for tobacco control programs is essential for protecting public health and reducing the growing burden of tobacco-related diseases in the country.

Pakistan is a signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and has committed to implementing strong policy and regulatory measures to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health.

The country has also developed national strategies and legislative frameworks to guide tobacco control efforts.

Despite these commitments, civil society organizations have expressed concern that tobacco control programs remain severely underfunded, particularly at the provincial level where implementation, enforcement, and public awareness activities are carried out.

According to the latest estimates cited by the World Health Organization (WHO) and recent analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study, tobacco use continues to impose a major public health burden in Pakistan.

Current estimates indicate that around 164,000 people die each year in Pakistan from tobacco-related diseases, which translates to approximately 450 deaths every day.

Importantly, a significant proportion of these deaths occur among individuals who do not smoke themselves but are exposed to tobacco smoke.

Evidence from global health studies shows that about 31,000 deaths annually in Pakistan are attributable to exposure to second-hand smoke, highlighting the severe impact of tobacco use on non-smokers, particularly women and children.

“Government of Pakistan has made important commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and these commitments must be reflected in national and provincial budgets,” said Usman Afridi, Coordinator of the Alliance.

Usman further said that provincial governments must allocate dedicated budgets for tobacco control if they want to protect communities from the growing harms of tobacco and emerging nicotine products. Strong enforcement, awareness campaigns, and cessation services cannot function without proper funding.

From Sindh, Ahsan Ali Khoso stressed the urgency of strengthening prevention initiatives. “Pakistan’s commitments under the FCTC require strong implementation at every level. Budget allocations are essential to expand prevention programs, protect youth from nicotine addiction, and ensure effective monitoring and enforcement.”

Representing Balochistan, Behram Lehri highlighted the need for equitable investment across the country.

Tobacco control must become a public health priority across all provinces. Dedicated funding will allow authorities to implement awareness campaigns, strengthen regulation, and reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, particularly among non-smokers, Lehri added.