Alarming Discovery: 72% of Pakistani Women Regularly Smoke Cigarettes

During a significant sub-committee meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), shocking revelations emerged, disclosing that a staggering 72% of women in Pakistan are habitual cigarette smokers.

The meeting, held in the capital city, aimed to review the audit report presented by the PASCO audit report and receive a comprehensive briefing from officials of the Pakistan Tobacco Board.

Officials from the Pakistan Tobacco Board revealed alarming statistics, indicating an annual consumption of 80 billion cigarettes nationwide. Although there is no available data on the age distribution of tobacco consumers, an extensive survey highlighted the astonishing fact that 72% of women in Pakistan actively smoke cigarettes.

These revelations have raised concerns among authorities and the general public, prompting questions about the underlying factors contributing to the high prevalence of female smokers in the country.

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In light of this concerning data, officials from the Tobacco Board also disclosed that each cigarette pack carries an 85% tax, with 85% of the total tax collection comprising excise, regulatory, and other relevant taxes.

The disclosure of the significant number of female smokers in Pakistan has become a matter of public interest, highlighting the urgent need for awareness campaigns and measures to address this issue. Health experts and concerned citizens are calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action to curb the growing trend of cigarette smoking among women and its potential adverse impact on public health.

As the findings of the PAC subcommittee continue to make headlines, discussions on formulating effective tobacco control policies, implementing stricter regulations, and promoting awareness programs are expected to gain momentum. The public eagerly anticipates further developments and initiatives aimed at addressing this pressing health concern in the country.