According to a press report, unhappy with the previous government's policy on the issue, anti-tobacco advocacy groups have now pinned hopes on the new government for the implementation of their demands aimed at discouraging smoking - a major cause of premature deaths. They had tried, albeit successfully, to have the National Health Services (NHS) ministry increase the size of a graphic pictorial warning printed on cigarette packs from 40 percent to 85 percent so that it served as constant reminder to the smokers of the health hazards involved and also persuaded young people to stay away from cigarettes. That such warnings have a deterrent effect is widely recognized, leading first in many countries to a ban on commercials that glamourized cigarette smoking, to a simple printed line that warned 'smoking kills', and then to explicit illustrations of what tobacco smoke could do. If the experts now are of the opinion that a bigger size pictorial warning can have greater impact there is no reason not to follow their advice.
To be sure, the previous government did take some appreciable steps to inhibit smoking, banning sale of cigarettes to children or less than a pack to anyone so as to discourage casual smokers from picking up the habit. But a more important issue is still hanging fire. The Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan, and Pakistan National Heart Association have been pressing for higher taxation on tobacco, arguing that it would increase revenue collection while protecting the citizens against the perils of cigarette smoking. It has been pointed out that NHS ministry while referring to a study, which said Rs 44 per pack of 20 cigarettes could reduce the number of smokers by 13.2 percent and increase revenue by 39.2 percent, had asked the finance ministry to enhance cigarette prices on a priority basis. Instead, the government brought down the tax to Rs 16 per pack. Critics cite this to allege collusion with the tobacco companies. A closer look at the market, nonetheless, suggests a better explanation. Higher prices could easily lead to an influx of smuggled cigarettes. There is no issue, however, that cannot be addressed as long as there is a strong will to do the needful. An effective solution would be a mandatory requirement for all packs to carry Excise Duty stamp so the tax people can easily identify the smuggled stuff and impound it.
Given Prime Minister Imran Khan's public service record in combating cancer, caused in many cases by smoking, he is expected to give due attention to what the anti-smoking campaigners want. In fact, based on their earlier interactions with him as well as Finance Minister Asad Umar, they are confident of getting a positive response. Going forward, concerns of all stakeholders need to be taken into account, though public health, it goes without saying, has to take precedence over all other considerations.
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