Pakistan, May 26 -- World Health Organization warned that smoking kills around 164,000 people in Pakistan every year and causes massive economic losses. The organisation said tobacco use costs Pakistan nearly $6.6 billion annually through healthcare expenses and productivity losses. WHO also urged authorities to increase cigarette taxes to discourage smoking and reduce tobacco consumption.

According to the report, tobacco-related diseases continue placing a heavy burden on Pakistan's healthcare system and economy. WHO estimated the annual financial damage at nearly Rs1,800 billion, which greatly exceeds tax revenues collected from the tobacco industry. Officials said Pakistan currently earns around Rs265 billion annually from tobacco tax...