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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a discussion on “WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2025 and Best Practices on Tobacco Advertisement, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) and Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs)” to review Pakistan’s progress in implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its MPOWER measures.
Addressing the participants as Chief Guest, Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, noted that the latest WHO report delivers an important reminder that tobacco remains a major public health concern.
He shared that Pakistan can further strengthen its efforts particularly by reducing all avenues of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) and by expanding the visibility of graphic health warnings (GHWs) to help prevent avoidable health risks.
He highlighted that tobacco causes over 8 million deaths globally each year, exceeding the combined toll of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. In Pakistan, 27 million people use tobacco, leading to more than 166,000 deaths annually.
Solangi underscored the substantial social and economic impact of tobacco use and expressed confidence that Pakistan can make meaningful progress through awareness building, education, and the implementation of global best practices. He emphasized the importance of informing communities about tobacco’s harmful effects and promoting a culture of prevention.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on NHSR&C, reflecting on the WHO report, said that the statistics highlight the need to further safeguard young people. He noted that promotional activities, appealing packaging, event linkages, and online visibility can influence youth.
Dr. Malani emphasized that countries with comprehensive TAPS restrictions have observed promising reduction in tobacco use, particularly among younger populations. He called for strengthened measures, including GHW enhancement and policy improvements to ensure effective implementation.
Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Member of the National Assembly Standing Committee on NHSR&C, observed that while Pakistan has made commendable progress, further strengthening of measures would enhance protection for the public.
She noted that consistent and clear regulations are essential to prevent TAPS gaps that may hinder tobacco control efforts.
Dr. Shazia underscored that GHWs are effective to encourage smokers to reflect on their habits and help deter youth from initiating tobacco use. She emphasized the importance of large, image based warnings that are updated regularly.
Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, Former Advisor to the Chief Minister (KPK) on Information & PRs, shared that TAPS remain an important area for continued attention. He mentioned that marketing at points of sale and online visibility still poses challenges.
Referring to WHO findings, he added that nations with well enforced TAPS restrictions have reported notable decrease in tobacco consumption, especially among youth.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, highlighted that promotional activities continue to influence consumer behavior in subtle ways despite current restrictions. Citing WHO findings, he said that countries enforcing complete bans on all forms of TAPS have seen significant declines in tobacco consumption, particularly among youth.
The session brought together policymakers, journalists, civil society representatives, academics, media professionals, and youth groups.
Participants reviewed Pakistan’s progress on GHW implementation and TAPS enforcement and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts and strengthened regulations to advance tobacco control across the country.