IslamabadA new study conducted by the Public Opinion Research Institute (IPOR) revealed a lack of compliance with the tobacco control systems in Pakistan. The report was launched at the Serena Hotel on Friday by Mr. Tariq Junid, CEO IPOR.
The study, which included 1,520 retail outlets in 19 provinces, set more than 413 cigarette brands available in Pakistan. Among them, only 19 brands were fully compatible with the TTS system and tracking system (TTS), 13 was partially compatible, 95 ghw health warning (GHW), and 286 lacked both tax stamps and GHW. Although the mandatory implementation of GHWS was presented in 2009, even after 16 years, cigarette packages are still without greater warnings required not to be sold without any government application.
The study also revealed that compliance with TTS, which was presented in 2021 as a major measure to curb the illegal cigarette trade, is still very insufficient. More than 54 % of the cigarette brands are found at the points of sale, to be incompatible. Among these non -compatible brands, it was 45 % of smuggled brands, while 55 % of locally manufactured fees did not pay brands. In addition, the study found that 332 brands were sold less than the legal minimum price of PKR 162.25, with some available for less than 40 PKR. This outbiting violation of the minimum prices leads to significant losses in the government’s revenue.
“The prevalence of incompatible cigarettes and the festival deprives the revenue government that affects the need.” Mr. Junid said. “The situation needs immediate compensation to reduce this revenue loss by enforcement of the strict selling point.” He added.
The study found that non -compliance was more prevalent in rural areas (58 %) compared to urban areas (49 %). This emphasizes the need for targeted enforcement efforts in rural markets where illicit products are more prevalent.
While 77 % of the survey traders were familiar with TTS, 60 % have been about facing any problems selling non -compatible brands to consumers. This indicates that there is no effective imposition from the point of sale, which is very important to deter the sale of illegal tobacco products.
IPor calls on the government to enhance enforcement efforts and impose existing sanctions. The organization also urges tobacco and retail manufacturers to play their role in ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
