ISLAMABAD: In an important step towards combating the growing tobacco epidemic among Pakistani youth, the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) held a two-day dialogue titled “Discussion on Sustainable Tobacco Control Measures: Protecting Youth from Emerging Health Conditions and Risks,” says a press release .
Participants stressed the need to strengthen policy frameworks, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, impose higher tobacco taxes, regulate emerging tobacco products, and develop innovative public advocacy initiatives to protect the health of future generations.
Lawyer Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the KPK Prime Minister for Information and Public Relations, emphasized the serious effects of tobacco use on public health and its widespread impact on society. He pointed out that “the health of our future generations is at risk, and it is a challenge that we cannot ignore.” “The consequences of inaction are dire, not only in terms of health but also in terms of the economic burden and social costs that accompany it. Collective action is an imperative to protect our youth and safeguard the nation’s future.”
Dr. Khalil Ahmed, Program Director at SPARC, highlighted SPARC’s ongoing initiatives and stressed the urgent need for immediate and sustained interventions. “Tobacco use among our youth is a growing epidemic that poses serious health, social and economic challenges. We must implement strong measures to curb this trend before it gets out of control,” he stressed.
Professor Dr Matiur Rahman, Dean of Allied Health Sciences at the Health Services Academy (HSA), provided a comprehensive analysis of the tobacco epidemic. He stated that more than 1.3 billion people worldwide use tobacco, leading to nearly 8 million deaths annually. In Pakistan, the economic burden of smoking on individuals aged 35 years and above is estimated at PKR 615.07 billion. Dr Rahman called for strict regulations on emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, highlighting their appeal to young people and the evolving regulatory challenges they pose.
Dr. Fawzia Hanif, Deputy Director, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, revealed alarming statistics about the health toll caused by tobacco in Pakistan, with more than 160,000 deaths every year attributed to tobacco-related diseases and nearly 1,200 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. . Start smoking daily. She stressed the need to strengthen existing laws and adopt new preventive measures to reverse this disturbing trend.
Dr. Muhammad Asif, Head of the Health Department at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, addressed the broader impact of tobacco on non-communicable diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory diseases. He stressed the importance of an integrated approach that combines health warnings, public education and youth engagement.
Rao M. highlighted. Redouane, from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, highlighted the environmental consequences of tobacco cultivation, including deforestation and soil degradation. He urged the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate these harmful effects.
Other key representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and PEMRA also attended the event and provided their feedback on important tobacco-related issues including taxation and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.
The event concluded with actionable decisions, including increasing tobacco taxes, regulating new tobacco products, and strengthening public advocacy. The dialogue brought together key stakeholders from public health, regulatory authorities, tax and environmental sectors and the media to explore comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges posed by youth tobacco use. The attendees affirmed their commitment to cooperative work. Participants included representatives from government ministries, regulatory bodies, civil society organizations, media and international health organizations, reflecting a united front for sustainable tobacco control.
