Islamabad: Pakistan has successfully reduced tobacco consumption by 15.7% during the years 2014-2024. This significant reduction in tobacco use highlights the country's commitment to public health and its efforts to combat the harmful effects of tobacco.
According to Radio Pakistan, the new findings were revealed in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2024, conducted by the National Institute of Population Studies Training and Research. The survey was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination through its Tobacco Control Cell and the World Health Organization (WHO). The decline in tobacco consumption is attributed to the measures implemented to fulfill Pakistan's international obligations under WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Despite the progress, the survey disclosed that tobacco products are still consumed by 16.1% of the population in Pakistan aged 15 and above. Consequently, tobacco continues to cause nearly 164,000 deaths and economic losses exceeding 1,800 billion rupees in Pakistan. The survey involved over 11,000 interviews with an overall response rate of 95.6%.
At an event in Islamabad coinciding with the release of the survey, Secretary of Ministry of National Health Regulations, Services and Coordination Muhammad Aslam Ghauri emphasized the theme of this year's World No Tobacco Day, titled "Unmask the Appeal - Countering Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction." He highlighted the evolving tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to target young populations, creating lifelong addiction.
Ghauri also noted the emergence of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and digital advertising platforms as contributors to a more complex public health challenge. He reiterated the Government of Pakistan's commitment to strengthening the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and called for collective resolve to build a healthier, tobacco-free future for coming generations, which he described as an investment in Pakistan's future health, productivity, and prosperity.