Implementation of HLB on cigarettes urged Islamabad January 13, 2021 Islamabad : Health and tobacco control activists urged the government on Tuesday to take notice of the delay in implementation of Health Levy Bill (HLB) on cigarettes and sugary drinks that was approved by the federal cabinet in 2019. Addressing a press conference here at National Press Club Islamabad, Human Development Foundation (HDF), Society for the Protection of the Rights of Child (SPARC) and Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) asked the government to recall about the Health Levy Bill, passed by the cabinet in 2019 and is yet not implemented. Syed Anis Bilal, Project Lead, HDF stated that FBR is responsible for delay in the implementation of health levy bill. Currently, the economic situation in Pakistan is unstable and government is in need of revenues which can be utilised for financing government scheme like Universal Health Coverage. Noncompliance in implementation of health levy bill has already cost the government a total of Rs55 billion in revenues last year. Revenue generated from the health levy bill can be utilised for pandemic control and guarantee better health for our people.