Smoking kills 164,000 Pakistanis annually

World Health Organization warned that smoking kills around 164,000 people in Pakistan every year and causes massive economic losses. The organisation said tobacco use costs Pakistan nearly $6.6 billion annually through healthcare expenses and productivity losses. WHO also urged authorities to increase cigarette taxes to discourage smoking and reduce tobacco consumption. According to the report, tobacco-related diseases continue placing a heavy burden on Pakistan's healthcare system and economy. WHO estimated the annual financial damage at nearly Rs1,800 billion, which greatly exceeds tax revenues collected from the tobacco industry. Officials said Pakistan currently earns around Rs265 billion annually from tobacco taxes. Read more: 9 percent of Pakistanis being wasted to smoking The report linked smoking to major fatal illnesses including heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and stroke. Health experts warned that nearly half of all tobacco users eventually die from smoking-related complications. WHO described tobacco use as one of the world's leading preventable causes of death and disease. The organisation also expressed concern over increasing tobacco use among children and young people in Pakistan. WHO said millions of teenagers worldwide begin using cigarettes, vaping products, and smokeless tobacco every year. Health authorities warned that rising youth addiction could worsen future public health challenges across developing countries. Read more: Pakistan smoking-related deaths surpass S Asia, global averages Globally, WHO estimates that smoking causes around seven million deaths annually, while second-hand smoke kills another 1.6 million non-smokers each year. Pakistan will observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to raise awareness about smoking dangers and tobacco addiction. Officials hope stronger policies and public awareness campaigns can help reduce smoking rates nationwide.