Health Activists have urged the government and relevant authorities to strengthen the Track and Trace System for tobacco products.

Islamabad: Imrana Komal

Health Activists have urged the government and relevant authorities to strengthen the Track and Trace System for tobacco products.

This is a crucial step in not only curbing illicit trade but also in ensuring the protection of our children from the harms of tobacco products and recovering the much-needed tax revenue to invest in essential public services.

Malik Imran Ahmed, Country Head, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, highlighted the significance of reinforcing the Track and Trace System, underscoring that it serves a dual purpose: combating illicit tobacco trade and safeguarding public health, particularly among children. He drew attention to the substantial impact of the tobacco industry on Pakistan’s national revenue, shedding light on the industry’s underreporting and manipulation of production data, resulting in a staggering loss of 615 billion to the national treasury. Imran explained that this loss severely affects the country’s ability to invest in crucial services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which are fundamental for the well-being of our citizens, particularly children.

Dr. Khalil Ahmed, Program Manager, SPARC, pointed out that the tobacco industry’s claims regarding the prevalence of smuggled products in the market do not align with reality. In truth, the percentage of smuggled items is significantly lower than claimed. Much of what is labeled as illicit trade is, in reality, a consequence of the industry’s practice of saturating the market with its own products to circumvent taxation. This practice not only harms the country’s economy but also poses a direct threat to the well-being of children by making tobacco products more accessible.

Dr. Khalil stressed the necessity of expanding the Track and Trace System to encompass all tobacco companies, asserting that it is a fundamental step toward protecting children’s rights and well-being. He emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure that tobacco products do not end up in the hands of our youth, thereby reducing their exposure to harm.