By Zain Khan Watozai
Pakistan has recorded the highest number of smoking-related deaths in South Asia, according to a new health report by Gallup. The alarming statistics paint a grim picture for the country, where tobacco consumption continues to wreak havoc on public health.
The report highlights that over 160,000 Pakistanis succumb annually to diseases directly linked to smoking. This places Pakistan at the top of the region’s smoking-related mortality charts, underscoring the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures.
Experts blame weak enforcement of anti-tobacco laws and widespread availability of cheap cigarettes for the rising death toll. “Despite some regulations, the tobacco industry remains unchecked, and its impact on vulnerable populations is devastating,” said a health policy expert.
With nearly 23.9 million smokers in the country—about 19.1% of the adult population—the health crisis shows no sign of slowing. Pakistan spends billions annually on healthcare costs related to tobacco-induced illnesses, further straining an already fragile health system.
The report also identifies a worrying trend: rising smoking rates among youth and women. Public health advocates warn that the next generation is at risk unless stricter policies, such as higher taxation and public smoking bans, are implemented effectively.
While smoking continues to claim lives, anti-tobacco activists urge swift and decisive action to curb the trend. “This is not just a health crisis but a social and economic one,” one advocate said. “Without immediate intervention, the consequences for Pakistan will be devastating.”
