Missed Opportunity to Increase Cigarette Taxes for Public Health
Health advocates expressed deep concern over the government's decision to maintain current cigarette tax rates in the federal budget 2024-25. A session organized by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) and the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) highlighted the negative implications for public health and revenue generation.
Chief Guest Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Former Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, stated, "The federal budget 2024-25 missed a critical opportunity to generate substantial revenue through increased cigarette taxes. This revenue could have been invested in public health, easing the economic burden on our healthcare system. Instead, maintaining current tax rates benefits cigarette manufacturers without additional excise tax c...








