Tobacco kills 164,000 people annually in Pakistan: WHO

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2026) The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that tobacco use causes around 164,000 deaths every year in Pakistan and leads to economic losses of more than PKR 1,800 billion (US$ 6.6 billion) annually.

Ahead of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, WHO said the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to target children and young people, designing and marketing products in ways that trap them in addiction at an early age.

According to WHO estimates, the economic burden caused by tobacco in Pakistan is seven times higher than the industry’s total tax contribution, which is expected to be around PKR 265 billion in 2025.

Marking World No Tobacco Day, WHO has launched a global campaign under the theme “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” highlighting how tobacco and nicotine companies continue to repackage their products to attract a new generation, especially adolescents.

WHO said all tobacco and nicotine products — including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes — are harmful to health and pose serious risks, particularly for children and teenagers.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

“Tobacco is a killer. It is killing our loved ones and families while also damaging public health and the economy,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo.

“All tobacco products on the market, licit or illicit, are toxic and dangerous.”

WHO noted that tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable death, contributing to cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung disease and several types of cancer.

The organization also urged stronger tobacco taxation in Pakistan.

WHO recommends tobacco taxes should account for at least 75% of the retail price.

Pakistan ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004. WHO says it continues to support the government in tobacco tax policy, track-and-trace implementation and broader efforts to reduce tobacco use and save lives.

Globally, tobacco kills more than seven million people every year, including 1.6 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

WHO says at least 40 million children aged 13 to 15 worldwide currently use at least one tobacco product.