ISLAMABAD: The health activists on Tuesday apprehended that any move to allow manufacturing of 10-stick cigarette packs for export purposes may result in their sales in the local market. This has been stated by health experts while addressing a press conference here on Tuesday.

Expressing profound concern, health activists questioned recent efforts by the tobacco industry to introduce 10-stick packs. This move, according to the activists, not only jeopardizes the progress made in tobacco control but also directly impacts children and low-income individuals, who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

Malik Imran Ahmed, Country Head, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, stated that the attempts for 10-stick packs by the tobacco industry are deeply troubling. It will not only undermine the progress made in tobacco control but also directly target children and low-income individuals who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

Many countries in the world have banned single-stick and small-stick packet sales because they’re easier to purchase for children, youth, and low-income groups, and hence the health burden is very high.

Imran added that the tobacco industry is still making a profit from this situation by indulging in practices such as under-reporting, price adjustment, and pooling its products in the illicit market. If 10-stick cigarette packs are allowed for export, there’s a strong chance that the tobacco industry will sell them in the local market.

Therefore, to keep people safe, it’s better not to allow these packets in the first place. The tobacco industry doesn’t have any legal permits for these so-called export deals, and the burden caused on the national exchequer by these deadly products is much higher than these so-called export deals.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024