Cigarette Tax Scorecard (4th Edition): Pakistan [Fact Sheet]

This Fact Sheet was written based on the findings of the fourth edition of the Cigarette Tax Scorecard. The brief evaluates the cigarette tax policies in Pakistan. In 2024, Pakistan scored 2.38 points out of 5 overall. This is higher than the region, income group, and global averages, yet there is still room for improvement. The overall score is an average of the following components: the cigarette price, affordability change, the tax share of the price, and the tax structure. Pakistan received the most points in the affordability change component with 5 points. On the other hand, Pakistan scored 1 point in the price and tax structure components. Pakistan's overall score largely increased from 2022 to 2024 due to a tax increase in 2022-23, although the positive effects of this reform have deteriorated since then. This fact sheet concludes with recommendations for Pakistan's government to restart its progress towards a more effective tax system, including by simplifying its complex tiered structure, to improve public health while raising tax revenues. 

View the entire Scorecard here.