CRD calls for action against cigarette firms flouting national tax laws

ISLAMABAD: Center for Research and Dialogue (CRD) has urged the Finance Minister to crack down on multinational cigarette firms flouting national tax laws.

In a letter penned to the minister, CRD highlighted violations, by the cigarette firms, of the Federal Excise Act, 2005, stressing the need for prompt action against the offenders.

In blatant disregard for the Federal Excise Act, multinational tobacco companies operating in Pakistan have introduced low-priced cigarette variants as they continue to find new ways to jeopardize public health.

The Federal Excise Act, 2005, expressly prohibits manufacturers or importers from introducing a new cigarette brand variant at a lower price than the existing variant within the same brand family.

Eid sales drop 15% to Rs 370 billion this year

But a number of multinational companies have found new ways to blatantly violate the rules.

An alarming 337,500 deaths annually are attributed to tobacco-related illnesses in Pakistan, according to the letter.

These deaths not only affect individuals but also have broader impacts on families, communities, and the healthcare system.

As calls for swift action grow louder, the spotlight is on the government to enforce existing regulations and safeguard public health from the detrimental impact of multinational tobacco companies prioritizing profits over well-being.