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ISLAMABAD: Health advocates have expressed alarm at tobacco companies’ proposal to introduce 10-stick cigarette packs, fearing an uptick in consumption among susceptible demographics such as youth and low-income individuals.
In a recent media briefing, Malik Imran Ahmed, the Country Head of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK), underscored the grave implications of such a measure. He emphasized that these smaller packs would likely infiltrate the local market, directly undermining efforts to curb smoking, especially among vulnerable populations.
Ahmed highlighted the tobacco industry’s history of attempting similar tactics in the past, often circumventing regulations. He expressed concerns that tobacco companies would once again seek to exploit loopholes in regulations to push their agenda.
Furthermore, Ahmed noted that excise rules prohibit manufacturers or importers from introducing or selling new cigarette variants at prices lower than existing brands within the same family. Despite this regulation, a prominent company has launched a new brand priced significantly lower than its existing family brand, potentially incentivizing increased consumption.
Additionally, Ahmed pointed out the violation of the ban on the sale of single sticks, a measure crucial in dissuading vulnerable populations from smoking.
