Pakistan has successfully reduced tobacco consumption by fifteen point seven percent during the years 2014-24.

This was revealed in new findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2024.

The survey was conducted by the National Institute of Population Studies Training and Research in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination through its Tobacco Control Cell and WHO.

The decline in tobacco consumption was recorded due to the measures implemented to fulfill its international obligations under the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The survey further revealed that despite progress, tobacco products are still consumed by 16.1 percent of population in Pakistan aged fifteen and above. Resultantly, tobacco continues to cause nearly one hundred sixty-four thousand deaths and economic losses of over eighteen hundred billion rupees in Pakistan.

During the survey, more than eleven thousand interviews were completed with an overall response rate of 95.6 percent.

Addressing an event held in Islamabad in connection with release of the survey, Secretary of Ministry of National Health Regulations, Services and Coordination Muhammad Aslam Ghauri said the theme of this year's World No Tobacco Day titled "Unmask the Appeal - Countering Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction," serves as a timely reminder of the evolving tactics employed by the tobacco and nicotine industries to target young populations and create lifelong addiction.

He said the emergence of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products and digital advertising platforms has transformed the tobacco epidemic into a more complex public health challenge.

The Secretary Health said the Government of Pakistan remains fully committed to strengthen the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. He called for collective resolve to build a healthier, tobacco-free future for coming generations as it is an investment in Pakistan's future health, productivity, and prosperity.