Islamabad: Pakistan’s performance in preventing the influence of multinational tobacco manufacturing companies has been found unsatisfactory, resulting in the deaths of above one hundred and sixty thousand people in the country annually, a global study reveals.

An international watchdog on tobacco control, the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) in its latest finding of 2023 has included Pakistan in an index where the tobacco industry heavily influences the governments.

According to the findings of the international watchdog Pakistan’s performance in adopting measures to prevent the industry’s influence, ensuring transparency, and avoiding the conflict of interest with the multinational tobacco companies has remained unsatisfactory.

Mentioning the names of Pakistan Tobacco Company and British American Tobacco, the GGTC said that in 2021, 163,672 deaths in Pakistan occurred primarily by these two top producers of tobacco.

It further said that in Pakistan, tobacco companies are not prohibited from promoting themselves through so-called socially responsible activities and from promoting their products through sponsorships of events, activities, or individuals.

According to GGTC findings, tobacco taxes in Pakistan as a percentage of retail price is 61% while the global standard is 70%.

Meanwhile, the International Monitory Fund (IMF) Technical Assistance Report titled ‘Pakistan Tax Policy

Diagnostic and Reform Options’ released in February, on the consumption of cigarettes in Pakistan, has advised Pakistan to overhaul its tax system by increasing taxes on non-essential items like cigarettes and applying a uniform tax on cigarettes regardless of their national or multinational brand.

Pakistan is currently contributing only 0.5% percent of GDP in revenue during FY21 while cigarette taxation has contributed 0.19% of the GDP, at current levels as a percentage of GDP, and has remained relatively stable in recent years.

The World Bank also in its report Pakistan Development Update’ has highlighted that a significant revenue gain of 0.4 percent of GDP equal to 505.26 billion rupees could be achieved by applying the current rate on premium cigarettes, which is Rs. 16.50 per cigarette to standard cigarettes as well.

On the other side, a recent study by London’s Imperial College titled ‘Tobacco & global environment footprint’ has ranked Pakistan among nine poor countries that produce 90 percent of cigarettes for the world.

The study finds that tobacco production in underdeveloped countries should be a cause of concern for policymakers as out of the top 10 tobacco-producing countries, 9 including Pakistan are developing and falling in the category of low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs).

Karachi: The third match of the five-match T20 international series between Pakistan Women and West Indies Women is set to take place today (Tuesday).

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm.

Following their triumph on Sunday, the West Indies women's cricket team emerged victorious against Pakistan in the second T20I of the series, securing a commanding win by 7 wickets. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan's women's team set a target of 121 runs, losing 7 wickets within the allotted overs. Muniba Ali showcased an outstanding performance as the leading scorer, accumulating 55 runs, supported by Gul Feroza (14 runs), Nida Dar (13 runs), and Sudra Amin (10 runs). Hayley Mathews of the West Indies displayed her prowess by claiming three crucial wickets.

In response, the West Indies successfully chased down the target, reaching 122 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 18.2 overs, thus sealing victory over Pakistan by 7 wickets. Captain Hayley Mathews led the charge with an impressive innings of 58 runs.

With this triumph, the West Indies women's cricket team has notched up two wins in the ongoing five-match series.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Belarus on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen their economic cooperation and enhance bilateral trade.

The understanding was reached during meeting between Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema with Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan Andrei Metelitsa in Islamabad on Tuesday (today). 

They discussed matters of mutual interest and commitments made during the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission at Minsk, Belarus last year.

The Minister highlighted that Pakistan and Belarus share a cordial and friendly relationship and the 6th Session of Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission will pave way for further cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, science, technology and tourism.        

He underscored the potential for joint ventures between Pakistani and Belarusian firms for use of agricultural machinery, tractors and harvesters compatible with the Pakistani market.                         

Ahad Cheema said Pakistan has a vast potential to export textile, agriculture products and surgical equipment to Belarus while benefiting from Belarusian expertise in heavy machinery and plants.          

He apprised the ambassador of Pakistan's outlook for development of trade, commerce and agriculture and emphasized utilizing the forum of Pak-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission to boost bilateral ties.

On the occasion, the Ambassador said trade between the two countries is far below the true potential and needs to be enhanced through Government to Government (G2G) and Business to Business (B2B) interaction, trade exhibitions and harmonization of banking procedures.