The government has taken ‘superficial’ measures for implementation of World Health Organization’s framework in order to curb tobacco consumption in Pakistan. Officials at the Ministry of National Health Services said that the multinational tobacco companies have found a way to increase their profits because of the slow implementation of FCTC. “And yet the ministry has not pushed for the implementation of sin tax and to increase the warnings on tobacco packs,” an official said, adding that the plan to spend revenue generated from increased taxation on tobacco on health services is still in the pipeline. In 2018, the ministry had asked FBR to increase tax on tobacco products and channel the generated revenue into improving health-related facilities. Whereas in 2019, the ministry had proposed to levy a health tax on tobacco products. Furthermore, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that nearly 8 million people are killed by the tobacco epidemic every year. “More than 7 million die due to direct smoking, while 1.2 million become a victim to second-hand smoking. Low and middle-income countries are the targets of more than 80% of tobacco-induced preventable deaths,” he said. “Tobacco claims 160,000 lives in Pakistan annually and remains one of the serious challenges in the face of public health. Moreover, 1,200 Pakistani children, aged between 6-15 start smoking daily,” he added. The health ministry is obligated to develop strategies to protect the health of the people from tobacco under the FCTC – an international treaty to which Pakistan is a signatory. In order to make the tobacco control efforts sustainable in Pakistan, the health ministry has developed a draft policy in coordination with the provinces. “Our ministry has tabled a promising tobacco taxation reform proposal in the upcoming budget which seeks Rs 24 billion in additional tax revenue, which will then be used in health-related facilities,” the SAPM said. “I am pleased to share that we successfully implemented a ‘Smoke Free Islamabad Model’ through 85% compliance of tobacco control laws. All public parks, high-rise buildings, food outlets and public transport are smoke-free in Islamabad. This model has also been replicated in five model districts. This model has also been acknowledged by the WHO”. “We will continue to strive to raise taxes, enhance size of graphic health warnings and promote a smoke-free society by providing a counter-marketing campaign, awareness against nicotine use and empower young people to engage in the fight against tobacco,” he added.