The initiative to advocate for same taxt on all pakistan-made cigarettes manufactured in Pakistan aims to create a fair and balanced market environment. By pushing for the same tax rate across all Pakistani-made cigarettes, policymakers seek to eliminate any disparities that may exist between different brands or manufacturers.
The think tank sounded the alarm against forcing the government to deviate from WHO guidelines.
Same Tax on all Pakistan-made Cigarettes:
Islamabad-based think tank Capital Calling has joined a campaign by multinational cigarette companies to oppose directives from other international organizations and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding budgetary and other checks on their business. Expressed concern over the increase.
The think tank says that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has formally recommended to the government that a uniform tax be imposed on all cigarettes produced in Pakistan.
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In this regard, Dr. Hasan Shehzad (belonging to IIUI) says that in fact the prices of cigarettes in Pakistan are lower than other regional countries.
He said that there is a direct correlation between the decrease in smoking and the increase in the price of cigarettes. It is unfortunate that representatives of the cigarette companies dominate the public debate and the government needs to stop this practice in accordance with the WHO protocol which requires governments to be cautious about the promotion of the cigarette business. .
He also urged anti-smoking groups to do research because the data they are presenting to policymakers is outdated, which needs to be rediscovered.
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Dr Shahzad said that these are the weaknesses that multinational companies easily take advantage of to further their agenda.