Over 1,200 children start smoking every day in Pakistan

[Abdullah719]

According to an estimate by the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), Regulations and Coordination, more than 1,200 children between the ages of five to 15 start to smoke every day in Pakistan.

There are at least 20 million under-aged or minor smokers in the country, where the legal age of smoking is 18 years, a statement said on Wednesday.

NHS Parliamentary Secretary Dr Nausheen Hamid said that according to a 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) report, more than 163,000 people die from tobacco use in Pakistan every year.

“This health burden is particularly affecting the youth population. About 1,200 children between the ages of six and 15 start smoking in Pakistan every day,” she said.

Dr Nausheen continued that despite a stringent tobacco control framework, Pakistan has made very little progress against smoking due to little or no enforcement on these policies on ground.

A number of unregistered or unregulated cigarette brands can be seen carrying out their promotional activities, branding and merchandising openly at shops and other points-of-sale. These unregulated or illegal cigarettes are sold at Rs25 to Rs30 for a pack of 20s making these affordable for both the youth and the low-income segments of the population.

Tactics such as free samples, discounts, prizes and lucky draws are very much being used to inadvertently attract a young clientele, all of these tactics are restricted by the government. And this is not all – unregulated tobacco manufacturers are distributing free cigarette packets near locations highly frequented by youngsters, including educational institutes, parks, sports facilities etc.

All this is being done in violation to SRO’s or Statutory Regulatory Orders laid out in the legislation that clearly prohibit cash rewards on smoking (SRO 53(KE)/2009) and put constraints on using people including celebrities, animals and sports elements on cigarette packs and restrict advertisement of tobacco products (SRO 1086(I)2013). Moreover, the government and FBR have mandated that a pack price of cigarettes may contain no less than 20 cigarettes and must not sell at a price lower than Rs62.76.

Dr Nausheen claimed that due to the ties of these influential unregulated cigarette manufacturers have – a number of them hold key positions in political parties, these regulations are not enforced.

In fact, even in terms of tax revenue, 98% is contributed by only two international tobacco firms operating in the country having 60% of the tobacco market share while the remaining 2% is paid rest of the cigarette manufacturers who hold 40% of the tobacco market share in Pakistan. These illegal cigarette producers, even if registered, under-report production and pay little to no taxes.

In addition, according to a study published by Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) around 25.3pc of households in the lowest income groups smoke cigarettes, which substantiates that the government pack price law to prohibit or reduce cigarette smoking is not being enforced, as illicit cigarette packs are available for Rs25 to Rs30 and hence the intended results are not being achieved.

The parliamentary secretary maintained that policy measures alone cannot help create a smoke free country. Legislation and regulatory measures are required to be enforced effectively to curb the unimpeded promotion and sale of illicit cigarettes and allow young non-smokers to stay non-smokers.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2265370/over-1200-children-start-smoking-every-day-in-pakistan

 

[JaDed]

Must be coz of bollywood..

On a serious note taxes should be huge on it but illegal cigs are very hard to crackdown and free samples lol never should be allowed.

 

[sweep_shot]

Cigarettes are disgusting. Not sure how people smoke that filth.

Children should never smoke it.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Cigarettes are disgusting. Not sure how people smoke that filth.

Children should never smoke it.

I first smoke when I was around 12, someone passed me one to try. I started again properly at 16 mainly due to peer pressure but yes its a very bad habit with no benefits unless you say it reduces stress. I smoke if and when I feel like it now.

Problem with Pakistani children is , they will be smoking poor quality tabacco which is not regulated as it is in the west. Sombody bought me some cigs from Pakistan, nearly choked. When I broke one open it was like dark sticks of wood inside.

 

[sweep_shot]

I first smoke when I was around 12, someone passed me one to try. I started again properly at 16 mainly due to peer pressure but yes its a very bad habit with no benefits unless you say it reduces stress. I smoke if and when I feel like it now.

Problem with Pakistani children is , they will be smoking poor quality tabacco which is not regulated as it is in the west. Sombody bought me some cigs from Pakistan, nearly choked. When I broke one open it was like dark sticks of wood inside.

I see.

For reducing stress, gym workout or breathing exercise works better for me.

 

[ElRaja]

I see.

For reducing stress, gym workout or breathing exercise works better for me.

being disciplined is difficult, especially when your already physically tired. you just want a shortcut. i dont smoke cigarettes, but hookahs occasionally for that reason. also enjoy a cigar or two every few months, but that's more for enjoyment.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Isn't the 20 million number off? Population of Pakistan is close to 220M out of which like 60M+ are under 18. It doesn't seem right that 1/3rd of minors in the country are smokers.

 

[topspin]

I first smoke when I was around 12, someone passed me one to try. I started again properly at 16 mainly due to peer pressure but yes its a very bad habit with no benefits unless you say it reduces stress. I smoke if and when I feel like it now.

Problem with Pakistani children is , they will be smoking poor quality tabacco which is not regulated as it is in the west. Sombody bought me some cigs from Pakistan, nearly choked. When I broke one open it was like dark sticks of wood inside.

I can kinda relate to this. Fortunately I stopped smoking regularly last year. Had my last cig in January and don't intend to go back.

I can't even smoke the inferior quality tobacco in UK because they're so dirty, don't know how these Pakistani kids do it.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Pakistan has an awful smoking culture. I did notice it growing up but this summer I’ve noticed just how much young people here do it. Boys and girls. I think a lot of them smoke cancer sticks to fit fit in and look cool which is disgusting

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Smoking = suicide in slow motion - a horrible and filthy habit IMO. Still don’t think it should be banned though (for adults obviously). Kids all over the world smoke, the only way to fight back is through education and proper enforcement of the laws which prevent tobacco being sold to kids or tobacco being smuggled into the country.

 

[FearlessRoar]

165 cigarette brands being sold ‘illegally’ in Pakistan: Report​

According to details, it has been revealed that more than 165 brands of cigarettes are being sold in the country without tax stamps, meanwhile, the volume of illegal cigarette trade is expected to reach 56 percent by the end of the current financial year.

The findings of the Ipsos survey highlight a significant issue within the cigarette industry, particularly regarding tax evasion and the sale of cigarettes below the government’s prescribed minimum price.

The substantial annual loss of over Rs 300 billion underscores the magnitude of this problem and its impact on both government revenues and legitimate businesses within the industry.

The fact that 104 cigarette brands are being sold below the minimum price indicates a widespread problem that requires urgent attention from regulatory authorities.

Additionally, the shift towards duty-free and smuggled cigarette brands, facilitated by the availability of larger pack sizes, further exacerbates the issue of tax evasion and undermines efforts to regulate the tobacco market.

Addressing these challenges will likely require a multi-faceted approach, including stricter enforcement of existing regulations, enhanced measures to combat smuggling and illicit trade, and potentially revisiting tax policies to deter tax evasion and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders in the industry.

165 cigarette brands being sold 'illegally' in Pakistan: Report

ISLAMABAD: In a recent revelation, it was disclosed that a total of 165 cigarette brands are being sold in Pakistan without tax stamps, ARY News reported

arynews.tv

 

[Hitman]

My advise to youngsters -

1. Don't drink.
2. Don't smoke.
3. Don't do drugs.