Pakistan reported the highest annual death toll from smoking in South Asia, exceeding the global average in 2024, according to Gallup Pakistan’s analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2024 report.
The country reported an annual smoking-related death rate of 91.1 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than South Asia’s average of 78.1 and 72.6 from rest of the world.
Between 1990 and 2021, Pakistan saw a 35% reduction in smoking-related deaths, lagging behind India’s 37%, South Asia’s 38%, and the global average of 42%, according to the report. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that buying 100 packs of cigarettes in Pakistan costs just 3.7% of GDP per capita—substantially lower than India (9.8%) and Bangladesh (4.2%).
Cigarette prices in Pakistan have risen 38% since 2012, reflecting inflation’s impact.
Adolescents at high risk of tobacco exposure
The issue extends beyond adults, with alarming tobacco use among adolescents. A study by the Tobacco and Nicotine Use Among Adolescents of Pakistan (TAP) initiative revealed that 47.1% of Pakistani teenagers are exposed to second-hand smoke at home, and 63.7% encounter it in their communities.
Conducted between December 2023 and May 2024, the study surveyed 14,232 adolescents across Pakistan’s provinces, uncovering troubling usage rates of e-cigarettes (3.9%), nicotine pouches (3.2%), smokeless tobacco (2.4%), and cigarettes (1.6%).
Accessibility and weak enforcement worsening the crisis
Peer influence and accessibility exacerbate the problem, with 49.1% of boys and 32.3% of girls able to purchase tobacco products within a five-minute walk, the report said. Despite laws banning sales near schools, enforcement is inadequate. The study stresses the need for stronger implementation of regulations and age restrictions on novel nicotine products like e-cigarettes.
Call for stronger tobacco control measures
Public health experts, including Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan, emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control measures, targeted awareness campaigns, and strict regulatory enforcement. The findings highlight the pressing health and economic toll of tobacco use in Pakistan and the importance of protecting youth from long-term addiction.