The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2024 shows Pakistan achieved a 15.7% tobacco reduction in adult use between 2014 and 2024, reflecting the impact of measures implemented under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Despite progress, tobacco products are still used by 16.1% of people aged 15 and above, contributing to roughly 164,000 deaths a year and economic losses estimated at about PKR 1,800 billion (around US$6.6 billion).
The national survey was led by the Government of Pakistan in partnership with WHO and the CDC Foundation, carried out by the National Institute of Population Studies with more than 11,000 interviews and an overall response rate of 95.6%. GATS 2024 follows a global protocol to monitor adult tobacco use and enables comparison with the 2014 round, giving a clear picture of the country’s tobacco reduction trajectory and remaining challenges.
Policies credited with contributing to tobacco reduction include higher tobacco taxation in FY2022–2023, larger pictorial health warnings, a nationwide ban on the sale of loose cigarettes, the National Tobacco Control Strategy 2022–2030, and the establishment of provincial Tobacco Control Cells and monitoring committees. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen implementation of WHO FCTC measures to protect future generations.
Exposure to secondhand smoke has declined across all measured locations: in homes from 48.3% to 28.8%, workplaces from 69.1% to 35.9%, restaurants from 86.0% to 55.2%, and schools from 25.1% to 11.5%. The survey also found reduced exposure to tobacco advertising, with a decline in in-store promotion and overall advertising, promotions or sponsorships compared with 2014.
Important challenges remain. Approximately 22.7 million adults currently use tobacco in Pakistan. Female smoking rose slightly by 1.7 percentage points to 5.9% of women aged 15 and above. The share of smokers attempting to quit in the past year edged down from 24.7% to 24.1%, and the proportion advised to quit by a healthcare provider slipped from 51.8% to 49.9%. The survey also highlights alarming youth indicators: about 1,200 children aged 6–15 start smoking every day, roughly 448 deaths occur daily from tobacco-related causes, and two in five smokers initiate tobacco use before the age of 10.
GATS 2024 shows many users are considering quitting and that public support exists for evidence-based measures such as taxation, advertising restrictions and stronger cessation services. WHO Representative Dr Luo Dapeng reiterated WHO’s support for Pakistan, noting that sustained policy action is essential to preserve the gains in tobacco reduction and to prevent the tobacco and nicotine industry from targeting young people with emerging products.
Alongside the survey rollout, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met World Bank Vice President for People Mamta Murthi to discuss strengthening Pakistan’s health system, reinforcing primary healthcare, improving maternal and child health, and reducing stunting. The minister highlighted steps toward local vaccine production by 2030, including discussions with Indonesia to support manufacturing for vaccines covering thirteen diseases and the newly formulated National Vaccine Policy. The World Bank delegation invited Pakistan to participate in the Universal Health Coverage Forum 2026 and reaffirmed support for health sector reforms.
While the GATS findings provide hope and clear direction, continued action is needed to consolidate tobacco reduction, expand cessation support, protect children from industry targeting, and integrate tobacco control within broader health reforms to safeguard Pakistan’s future health and productivity.
