ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Observer collaborated with World Health Organization (WHO) to mark World Tobacco Day with a comprehensive special report highlighting dangers of tobacco use, the tactics employed by the tobacco industry, and global efforts to combat the tobacco epidemic.
World Tobacco Day aims to raise awareness about devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption in South Asian nation and beyond. Since its inception, the day has been observed annually on May 31 to spotlight the urgent need for effective tobacco control policies worldwide.
Special message from WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region, delivered a special message emphasizing the alarming rise of youth smoking rates in the region. She revealed that approximately 37 million children aged 13 to 15 currently use tobacco, with smoking increasing among both boys and girls, particularly in Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Dr. Balkhy called for stronger tobacco control measures, including bans on flavored tobacco products, graphic health warnings, restrictions on advertising, and increased taxation. She also highlighted the tobacco industry’s harmful targeting of youth through addictive products like e-cigarettes, urging global unity to create a tobacco-free future.
Message by Dr Hanan Balkhy Regional Director ,WHO for World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2025
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr.Luo Dapeng’s take on Crisis
In an exclusive op-ed, Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, underscored the severe toll of tobacco in Pakistan, citing nearly 164,000 annual deaths attributable to tobacco use. He further noted the staggering economic burden of around PKR 700 billion on the country’s healthcare system and economy—significantly outweighing the tax revenues generated by the tobacco industry. Dr. Dapeng stressed that increasing tobacco taxes has proven an effective strategy to reduce consumption, boost government revenue, and alleviate the strain on healthcare services.
Tobacco costs Pakistan 164 000 lives and PKR 700B yearly; taxation can save lives
PO’s Exclusive Interview with Tobacco Expert Shahzad Khan
The special report also featured an insightful interview with Mr. Shahzad Khan, Tobacco Expert at WHO Pakistan. He described tobacco as a highly addictive substance responsible for numerous diseases and highlighted the dangers of second-hand smoke to non-smokers. Mr. Khan further discussed tobacco control strategies during a podcast hosted by Abdullah Gauhar Malik, Digital Lead at Pakistan Observer.
This collaborative initiative by Pakistan Observer and WHO aims to empower the public with knowledge about tobacco-related harms and encourage proactive steps to safeguard health, particularly for future generations.
Pakistan Observer’s Exclusive Interview with Mr Shahzad Khan, Expert on Tobacco, WHO
