Public health experts have called for a multi-faceted strategy to address the rising economic and health burdens of tobacco consumption in Pakistan. The country faces a surge in preventable diseases and escalating healthcare costs due to widespread tobacco use.
“The economic burden of tobacco use in Pakistan exceeds Rs 615 billion, encompassing both direct healthcare expenses for treating tobacco-related illnesses and indirect losses from reduced productivity and premature deaths,” stated the Programme Manager of a public health-focused NGO.
She highlighted the lack of effective legislation against both traditional and modern smokeless tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and sheesha, which remain easily accessible online and through home delivery services.
Pakistan has an estimated 24 million adult tobacco users, with smokeless variants like gutka and naswar being particularly prevalent and affordable, further aggravating public health challenges.
A pulmonologist from the KP Health Department warned that tobacco is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“Most of my patients are poor laborers who started smoking at a young age. By the time they seek medical help, their condition is already in an advanced stage,” he lamented. Many of these individuals are sole breadwinners, and their illnesses impose immense financial strain on their families.
Beyond healthcare, tobacco farming also threatens food security. The Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Fruits and Vegetable Importers and Exporters Association warned that large tracts of fertile land are diverted from food production to tobacco farming.
“With 36.9% of Pakistan’s population facing food insecurity, this is a serious concern. Shifting towards alternative crops can help mitigate this crisis,” he emphasized.
The General Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Association for Excellence in Agriculture noted that KP alone has 30,000 hectares under tobacco cultivation. “If even half of this land were redirected toward vegetable and grain farming, farmers could earn higher profits while improving the national food supply,” he suggested.
Additionally, an international climate expert and CEO of Resilient Future International highlighted the environmental impact of tobacco farming. “Excessive pesticide and fertilizer use depletes soil fertility, making agricultural lands less productive over time,” he warned.
To combat these challenges, experts stress the need for stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, and support for farmers transitioning to sustainable crops. By implementing these measures, Pakistan can reduce its tobacco burden, improve public health, and enhance food security.
