By According to the Global Burden of Disease 2024 report, Pakistan’s annual smoking-related death rate stands at 91.1 per 100,000 people, surpassing both the South Asian average of 78.1 and the global average of 72.6.
Between 1990 and 2021, Pakistan achieved a 35% reduction in smoking-related death rates, which is lower than the reductions observed in India (37%), South Asia (38%), and the global average (42%).
The World Health Organization notes that purchasing 100 packs of the most-sold cigarette brand in Pakistan requires 3.7% of the GDP per capita, significantly lower than India’s 9.8% and Bangladesh’s 4.2%.
Despite existing laws prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals under 18 and near educational institutions, enforcement remains weak, contributing to early initiation of smoking among adolescents.
A 2022 opinion poll by Gallup Pakistan revealed that 80% of smokers in the country expressed a desire to quit smoking. These statistics highlight the pressing need for stronger tobacco control measures and public health interventions in Pakistan to address the high smoking-related mortality rate.
