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KARACHI: The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday Pakistan was losing 164,000 lives and approximately $2.5 billion annually due to the “devastating impacts” of tobacco on public health, calling for urgent measures, including increased taxation, to save lives. 

As World No Tobacco Day, observed on 31 May, approaches, WHO said it was reaffirming its commitment to partnering with Pakistan to address the chronic health crisis caused by tobacco. 

“WHO advocates for taxation to be used as a tool to reduce consumption while increasing revenues that can be directed toward health and development priorities,” a statement from the global health body said.
             
“Without additional measures, the harmful impact of tobacco on public health and the national economy will continue to jeopardize Pakistan’s efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Research has shown that tobacco taxation is effective in increasing revenues for the government while also reducing consumption, tobacco-related diseases and pressure on health systems. In 2023, following a tax increase on tobacco products in Pakistan, tobacco use declined by 19.2 percent with 26.3 percent of smokers cutting down on cigarette consumption. 

Revenue collection from the federal excise duty on cigarettes increased by 66 percent from Rs142 billion in 2022–23 to Rs237 billion in 2023–24. 

In Pakistan, federal excise duty rates on cigarettes have not increased since February 2023, making them more affordable, and taxation levels remain below WHO’s recommended 75 percent of the retail price. 

Pakistan ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004, and WHO provides continuous technical support to the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination and the Federal Board of Revenue in areas such as tobacco tax policy and track-and-trace implementation. 

“There is no such thing as a safe tobacco product. Tobacco is a devastating burden on public health, for the economy, for our children and for our grandchildren. Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don’t quit, overstretches health systems and also harms non-smokers in our communities and families,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Dapeng Luo.

“Make no mistake, all tobacco products on the marke, without exception, are extremely toxic and dangerous.”

KARACHI: Pakistan has extended the deadline for expressions of interest (EOI) in purchasing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to June 19, the country’s privatization ministry said on Tuesday.

Cash-strapped Pakistan is seeking to privatize the debt-ridden PIA to raise funds and reform state-owned enterprises, as outlined in the $7 billion International Monetary Fund program secured last year.

The earlier EOI deadline was June 3.

“The deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest and Statements of Qualification for ‘Divestment of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited through privatization’ has been extended till 16:00 hours on Thursday, June 19, 2025,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The remaining terms and conditions shall remain the same.”

Speaking to Arab News, a ministry official said on condition of anonymity the deadline had been extended due to Eid Al-Adha next month along with “the recent crisis situation.”

Asked if by “crisis” he meant the recent India-Pakistan military standoff and the ensuing tensions, he concisely responded, “yes.”

Pakistan has been seeking to sell a 51 percent to 100 percent stake in the debt-ridden carrier to raise funds and reform cash-draining state-owned enterprises.

The final bidding round for the privatization of PIA last October drew only one offer of $36 million for a 60 percent stake in the national flag carrier.

Although the government had pre-qualified six groups in June, only the real estate firm Blue World City submitted a bid, which fell significantly short of the government’s minimum price of $303 million.

Potential bidders raised several concerns, including lack of policy continuity, uncertainty around contract enforcement, inconsistent government communication and unfavorable terms and taxation in the aviation sector.

Last year, PIA received permission to resume operations in Europe after a 2020 ban by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which had raised concerns about the oversight capabilities of Pakistani authorities and the Civil Aviation Authority in ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.

EASA and UK authorities had suspended PIA’s operations in the region following a probe into pilot licensing irregularities, launched after a 2020 crash that killed 97 people.

In March this year, the government endorsed a plan to fast-track PIA privatization while reiterating its resolve to offload loss-making public entities from the national exchequer.

With input from Reuters