SPARC, the Organization for the Protection of Children’s Rights, has urged that the Health Levy Bill (2019) be passed and applied to cigarette products.
Although the health levy was approved by the federal cabinet in June 2019, it has not yet been implemented.
Tobacco control, according to Malik Imran Ahmed, CTFK’s Country Head, necessitates both long- and short-term financial decisions.
A recent increase in tobacco product pricing in Pakistan isn’t nearly enough to compensate for the harm caused by these items.
The tobacco industry is still successful due to low prices and tax avoidance strategies. On top of that, the cigarette sector requires a constant monitoring.
He suggested that individuals would be better able to purchase necessities if taxes on products like cigarettes were raised.
Govt. Impose High Taxes on Cigarettes to Avoid Health Issues
It’s past time for the government to impose sin taxes, such a higher charge on cigarettes due to the health risks they pose.
As a result, the current economic difficulties in Pakistan will be lessened, providing much-needed assistance to the general populace.
According to SPARC’s Program Manager Khalil Ahmed Dogar, cigarettes killed more people in the twentieth century than many major wars combined.
Despite this, the product is being produced domestically and distributed nationally without a health levy.
The proposed Health Levy Bill (2019) would contribute roughly 60 billion rupees to the government’s annual revenue if it were to be imposed on cigarettes.
He further added that the Federal Board of Revenue expects to collect an additional Rs. 15 billion in taxes over the course of the four months as a result of the increased GST rate of 25%.
That may add billions to the national treasury if a health levy law were passed. The tobacco business should have no qualms about footing the bill for the damage it causes to our health and economy.
To read our blog on “Heavy taxes on cigarettes will facilitate illicit producers,” click here.
