ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a meeting called for collective action to protect children and young people from the health and social consequences of tobacco use, saying that tobacco control must remain a national priority.
They expressed these views while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting titled “Orientation on Strengthening Graphic Health Warnings and Increasing Tobacco Taxation,” organised by the Aurat Foundation in Islamabad.
Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage Farrah Naz Akbar said the government should further strengthen tobacco control measures, including increasing tobacco taxes, expanding graphic health warnings on cigarette packs and strictly enforcing restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
“Parliament has a critical role to play in translating public health evidence into effective legislation and policies,” she said, adding that protecting children and young people from tobacco addiction was not merely a health responsibility but a collective national obligation.
On the occasion, MNA Huma Chughtai called for joint action by society and state institutions to strengthen tobacco control.
She said legislators would introduce a resolution in Parliament seeking an increase in the size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packs.
Dr Arsalan Haider, director of the Tobacco Control Cell, highlighted the cell’s role in promoting effective tobacco control policies, particularly measures related to graphic health warnings and the implementation of Pakistan’s tobacco control commitments.
Director General PEMRA Rahat Ali highlighted the responsibility of regulatory authorities in preventing tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and ensuring compliance with existing restrictions.
Earlier, Syed Safdar Raza, team lead at the Aurat Foundation, said the organisation was working to strengthen parliamentary engagement and public awareness regarding effective tobacco control measures.
He underscored the importance of engaging parliamentarians and other stakeholders in efforts to strengthen tobacco control policies.
Aftab Ahmed of the Tobacco Control Cell, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, provided an overview of Pakistan’s tobacco control landscape and the World Health Organization’s MPOWER framework.
He stressed the importance of effectively implementing tobacco control measures, particularly stronger graphic health warnings.
Dean of the Health Services Academy Dr Mati Ur Rehman highlighted the growing health risks associated with tobacco use and called for the elimination of tobacco use in all its forms.
The meeting was attended by parliamentarians, government officials, regulators, health experts and civil society representatives.
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