ISLAMABAD: Health Activists have urged the government and relevant authorities to strengthen the Track and Trace System for tobacco products not only to curb illicit trade but also to ensure the protection of our children from the harms of tobacco products.
According to a press statement on Thursday, Malik Imran Ahmed, the Country Head of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, emphasized the importance of strengthening the Track and Trace System, highlighting its dual role in combating illicit tobacco trade and protecting public health, particularly children’s health.
He drew attention to the significant 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 federal treasury.
Imran explained that this loss severely affects the country’s ability to invest in essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which are vital for the well-being of citizens, especially children.
Dr. Khalil Ahmed, the Program Manager at SPARC, pointed out that the tobacco industry’s claims regarding the prevalence of smuggled products in the market do not align with reality. In reality, the percentage of smuggled items is much lower than claimed. Much of what is labeled as illicit trade is, in fact, a consequence of the industry’s practice of flooding the market with its products to evade 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.
He said that the necessity of expanding the Track and Trace System to cover all tobacco companies, asserting that it is a fundamental step toward safeguarding 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.
