PM forms committee to review export of small cigarette packets

ISLAMABAD: The prime minister has constituted a seven-member committee to review the proposal to amend the Prohibition of Sale of Cigarettes to Minor Rules, 2010, in order to allow the export of small packets of cigarettes.

Sources said that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination has notified the seven-member committee, which includes representatives from the ministries of law and justice, health, commerce, industries, and production.

Also read: Call for increased FED on cigarettes to curb rising consumption

The committee will also review international best practices and the scope of commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).

Additionally, the committee will provide recommendations. The health ministry will provide secretariat support to the committee, which will submit its report and recommendations within three days.

Earlier, reports had indicated that the health ministry was not granting permission to the Pakistan Tobacco Company for the export of cigarettes in small packets.

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Reacting to the committee’s formation, public health professional Ziauddin Islam, who has extensive experience with the health ministry and served as Pakistan’s focal person for WHO’s FCTC and ITP on tobacco products, highlighted Pakistan’s challenge of balancing public health priorities with economic considerations and international trade reputation.

“While facing these challenges, Pakistan remains committed to public health, including the implementation of the FCTC. Strict enforcement of tobacco control laws and FCTC provisions is crucial for safeguarding citizens’ health,” he emphasized.

Ziauddin advocated for investing cigarette tax revenue into anti-smoking initiatives and cessation programs to reduce tobacco use in society effectively.

“While prioritizing public health, we can consider exploring a tightly regulated export program for small cigarette packs (e.g., 10 cigarettes) with stringent safeguards to prevent domestic market breaches,” he suggested.

He proposed amending rules to allow production of small cigarette packs for exports only, ensuring effective supervision to avoid local market infiltration. Ziauddin emphasized the need for Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) to provide assurances that exported products will not re-enter the domestic market.

Additionally, Ziauddin recommended introducing substantial penalties for any incidents related to illegal market activities, such as over-speeding, to reinforce regulatory compliance.