ISLAMABAD: Health activists on Tuesday emphasised the critical need for the government to prioritize health and economic agendas by increasing taxes on cigarettes. This call comes in tandem with the imminent commencement of negotiations on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Agreement and the crucial Budget Planning for 2024-25. During an event organised by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) on Tuesday, Malik Imran Ahmad, Country Head of CTFK, emphasised the interconnected relationship between reduced tobacco consumption, improved health outcomes, and enhanced revenue streams. He affirmed that prioritizing tobacco taxation in the forthcoming budget would not only safeguard public health but also propel the nation towards achieving its fiscal targets and commitments. To propel health and economy forward, Ahmad advocated for a 26.6% Federal Excise Duty (FED) increase on cigarettes, a move projected to recuperate 19.8% of healthcare expenditures associated with smoking-related diseases. He emphasised that this measure aligns with the impending IMF Agreement negotiations, contributing substantially to revenue generation crucial for budgetary allocations. Ahmad further highlighted that the government would benefit from increased revenue from tobacco products, potentially averting…