Pakistan has moved up to 33rd out of 100 countries in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, compiled and launched by the Society for Alternative Media and Research (SAMAR). The country’s overall score rose slightly to 54 from 53 in 2023, reflecting ongoing challenges from increased interactions between the tobacco industry and certain non-health government sectors.
The updated index notes Pakistan’s placement as an improvement in global standing compared with its 2023 ranking of 32nd among 90 countries, while also pointing to a modest setback in score. The report attributes the change largely to more frequent contacts between industry actors and ministries beyond health, underlining why careful management of tobacco relations remains necessary.
The Tobacco Control Cell at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination is highlighted for resisting strong lobbying efforts aimed at amending existing tobacco control laws, an example SAMAR cited as institutional resilience against tobacco industry influence. The report stresses that continued vigilance by the Tobacco Control Cell is essential to limit Tobacco Interference across government.
SAMAR recommends that Pakistan adopt a formal Code of Conduct in line with Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to guide all government departments in their dealings with the tobacco industry. The organisation urged that the Tobacco Control Cell lead and monitor implementation of the code to ensure transparency and consistency across sectors.
Mazhar Arif, Executive Director of SAMAR, described the survey as timely and said he hopes the government will act on its recommendations. He noted the report will be useful as Pakistan prepares for upcoming COP and MOP meetings and reaffirmed SAMAR’s commitment to supporting government and civil society efforts to protect tobacco control policy from industry interference and to advance progress toward a tobacco and nicotine free future.
The launch drew government officials and health experts, including Director Tobacco Control Cell Dr Nadia Nooreen and Project Manager Aftab Ahmad, alongside tobacco control specialists and civil society representatives. The report aims to sharpen Pakistan’s response to Tobacco Interference and to promote stronger safeguards across all ministries.
