Pakistan has reduced tobacco consumption by 15.7% between 2014 and 2024, according to the latest Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2024), highlighting the impact of tobacco control policies implemented under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
The findings were presented in Islamabad on 3 June 2026 by the World Health Organization and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. The survey was conducted in partnership with the National Institute of Population Studies and the CDC Foundation, based on more than 11,000 interviews with adults aged 15 and above.
Despite the progress, tobacco use remains widespread, with about 16.1% of adults still consuming tobacco products. Authorities estimate that tobacco causes around 164,000 deaths annually in Pakistan and results in economic losses of roughly US$6.6 billion each year.
Officials attributed the decline to a range of policy interventions, including significant increases in tobacco taxation, larger pictorial health warnings on packaging, bans on loose cigarette sales, national and provincial tobacco control strategies, and expanded enforcement mechanisms.
Exposure to secondhand smoke also dropped significantly across public and private settings over the decade, including homes, workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and public transport. Advertising exposure has also declined, though it remains present in retail environments and other channels.
However, the report noted some mixed trends, including a slight increase in tobacco use among women and a small decline in quit attempts and healthcare provider-led cessation advice.
Health officials emphasized that the tobacco industry continues to target younger populations through flavored products, vaping devices, and digital marketing, calling for stronger regulation and enforcement.
WHO representatives said the results demonstrate that coordinated policy action—particularly taxation and advertising restrictions—can significantly reduce tobacco use, while reaffirming support for continued implementation of global tobacco control measures.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Health also reaffirmed its commitment to further reducing tobacco use, highlighting strong public support for stricter controls and expanded cessation services as part of ongoing public health efforts.
