Public health advocates in Pakistan are urging the government to hold multinational cigarette companies, Philip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT), accountable for their alleged influence on the country’s tax policies. This comes amid calls for higher cigarette taxes to deter tobacco use and generate revenue for the government.
Read More: Pakistan Tobacco Company Highlights Enforcement Lag in Track & Trace System Implementation
Accusations of Undue Influence: Advocacy groups claim that PMI and BAT have historically engaged in lobbying activities aimed at weakening tobacco control measures in Pakistan, including opposing tax increases on cigarettes. They allege these companies employ various tactics, such as:
- Funding front groups that advocate for relaxed tobacco control policies.
- Engaging in aggressive marketing campaigns to influence public opinion.
- Pressuring policymakers through direct lobbying efforts.
Impact on Public Health: These practices, according to advocates, are detrimental to public health. They argue that lower taxes make cigarettes more affordable, particularly for young people, leading to increased smoking rates and their associated health consequences.
Call for Transparency and Accountability: Public health experts and advocates are calling for the following:
- Transparency: Demanding disclosure of any financial or other ties between the tobacco industry and policymakers or organizations influencing tax policies.
- Accountability: Holding PMI and BAT accountable for any efforts to undermine effective tobacco control measures, including lobbying against tax increases.
- Focus on Public Health: Prioritizing the well-being of citizens by implementing evidence-based policies like higher taxes to discourage tobacco use.
Government’s Response: The Pakistani government has yet to officially respond to these accusations. However, the Ministry of Health has previously stated its commitment to implementing the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which includes recommendations for raising tobacco taxes as a crucial strategy for reducing consumption.
Moving Forward: The future of tobacco control policies in Pakistan remains uncertain. While the government faces pressure from both public health advocates and the tobacco industry, the potential for increased government revenue coupled with the public health imperative of curbing tobacco use may ultimately push for stricter regulations and higher taxes on cigarettes.
