Tobacco Taxation Policies – Controversial NGO reactive in Lobbying

Islamabad (PR) — Credible sources have revealed that the Human Development Foundation (HDF), a non-governmental organization claiming to work for tobacco control, has again been active in influencing Pakistan’s tobacco taxatiom policy. HDF which has received financial funding from the local tobacco industry in the past has announced to organize a lobbying seminar on the tobacco taxes.

According to sources, officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Health Services Academy, Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization (WHO) are scheduled to address the seminar organized by the tobacco industry linked NGO.

Media reports have brought to light HDF’s close association with a powerful political family based in Mardan. This family owing various cigarette manufacturing factories has reportedly provided financial support to the Human Development Foundation in the past through various programs, primarily under the umbrella of a family trust i.e; Masood Welfare Organization.Reports further revealed that HDF has received financial benefits from the tobacco industry , casting serious doubts over the organization’s impartiality and credibility in anti-tobacco advocacy and its agenda on tobacco taxes.