Experts urge awareness, legislation, and adoption of global best practices
At a two-day consultative meeting in Islamabad, experts emphasized the urgent need for a complete ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) and for increasing the size of graphic health warnings (GHWs). Presidential spokesperson Murtaza Solangi said the latest World Health Organization (WHO) report makes it clear that tobacco continues to claim over 8 million lives annually.
He noted that Pakistan faces a serious situation, with nearly 27 million tobacco users and over 166,000 deaths each year linked to tobacco-related illnesses. Solangi added that tobacco harms not only health but also the economy, reducing productivity and imposing emotional and financial burdens on families.
Former MNA Dr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema said the rising appeal of tobacco among youth through indirect advertising—such as attractive packaging, event sponsorships, and online content—remains alarming. He stressed that weaknesses in existing policies must be addressed through stronger legislation and public awareness.
SPARC program manager Dr. Khalil Ahmed Dogar said that despite some progress, promotional tactics continue to influence consumer behavior. He cited WHO findings that countries with full TAPS bans see a marked decline in youth tobacco use. “It’s time to impose a complete ban on all direct and indirect advertising channels,” he said, adding that graphic health warnings are a proven way to deter smoking and prevent youth initiation.
Pakistan Observer’s Editor-in-Chief Faisal Zahid Malik highlighted the media’s responsibility to raise awareness and promote quitting. “This is a fight we can win only through collective and decisive action by the government, civil society, media, educators, parents, and youth,” he said.
Participants from various sectors—including government, media, academia, and youth organizations—reviewed Pakistan’s implementation of GHWs and TAPS-related laws and called for stronger enforcement and coordinated efforts to accelerate tobacco control.
