BAT subsidiary lobbies Pakistan to allow export of cigarettes to Sudan

Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC), a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), is lobbying the Pakistani government to permit the export of 10 packs of cigarettes to war-torn Sudan. Pakistan, one of over 80 countries banning the sale of 10-packs to curb smoking among children, is being urged to amend its laws for export purposes. A leaked letter to the health ministry revealed PTC’s request, citing a $20.5 million order for Sudan, potentially boosting Pakistan’s dollar reserves.

Sudan, amid a devastating civil war claiming 150,000 lives, does not restrict 10-pack sales. BAT aims to shift production from its Sudanese subsidiary, Blue Nile Cigarette Company, located in the conflict-ridden city of Madani, to Pakistan.

Mark Hurley, vice-president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), condemned BAT’s move, highlighting that smaller packs are particularly appealing to minors. He criticized the exploitation of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis to market cheaper cigarettes. Over 180 countries, including Pakistan and Sudan, are bound by the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to restrict sales of smaller packs to protect minors. Although the FCTC does not specify pack size, at least 82 countries mandate a minimum of 20 cigarettes per pack.