A recent report has revealed that tobacco use in Pakistan results in annual economic losses of approximately Rs70 billion, highlighting the significant financial burden of smoking and other tobacco-related activities on the national economy.
The report attributes these losses to healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and premature deaths caused by tobacco-related illnesses. Hospitals and medical facilities spend billions on treating diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, which are directly linked to tobacco consumption.
Experts stressed that tobacco use not only affects individual health but also has a broader societal and economic impact, including lost workdays and increased healthcare spending. The study calls for stronger measures to curb tobacco consumption, including public awareness campaigns, higher taxes, and strict enforcement of anti-smoking laws.
Authorities emphasized that tackling tobacco consumption is critical for improving public health and reducing avoidable economic losses, urging both policymakers and citizens to take proactive steps against the habit.
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