Pakistan

Tobacco Control Policies

Pakistan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.  

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in all places of public work or use, and on all public transport. Smoking is permitted in hotel guest rooms. With respect to outdoor areas, smoking is prohibited in outdoor waiting areas for buses and trains. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Many forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited, including advertising on domestic TV, radio, print media, billboards, point of sale advertising and product display, direct targeting of individuals, and retailer incentive programs. Most other forms of advertising and promotion are allowed. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: The Ministry of Health has issued one warning containing both a picture and text that must be placed on all cigarette packs. The warning must occupy 60 percent of the pack and be placed on the front top of the pack in Urdu and on the back top of the pack in English. (The increases in size announced in SRO 127(E)/2017 (to 50 percent and, subsequently, 60 percent) replace the 2015 notification (SRO 22(KE)/2015) that would have increased the size to 85 percent of packaging. This notification, however, was delayed several times and, ultimately, never implemented.) Health warnings are not required on smokeless tobacco products.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Pakistan are well below these recommendations.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities Yes
Private offices Yes
Primary and secondary schools Yes
Public transport Yes
Universities Yes
Restaurants Yes
Governmental facilities Yes
Bars and Pubs --
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? Yes
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts Yes
Domestic magazines and newspapers Yes
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising Yes
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names Yes
Point-of-sale advertising Yes
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display Yes
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 1
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 60%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 60%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 60%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products Yes
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 110.00 PKR
Total taxes 52%
In US dollars 0.46 USD
Total excise 34%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/global-tobacco-report-2023

Last updated: August 7, 2020