ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (APP): Parliamentarians, government officials, health experts and civil society representatives have called for higher tobacco taxes, larger graphic health warnings and stricter enforcement of tobacco advertising restrictions to protect young people. The call was made at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by Aurat Foundation to discuss strengthening graphic health warnings and increasing tobacco taxation. Addressing the meeting as chief guest, Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage Farrah Naz Akbar …
Stakeholders call for stronger tobacco control measures
ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (APP): Parliamentarians, government officials, health experts and civil society representatives have called for higher tobacco taxes, larger graphic health warnings and stricter enforcement of tobacco advertising restrictions to protect young people.
The call was made at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by Aurat Foundation to discuss strengthening graphic health warnings and increasing tobacco taxation.
Addressing the meeting as chief guest, Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage Farrah Naz Akbar said tobacco control should remain a national priority and stressed collective efforts to protect children and young people from tobacco addiction.
She said Parliament had a key role in translating public health evidence into effective legislation and policies, adding that higher tobacco taxes could reduce consumption by making tobacco products less affordable, particularly for young people, while generating additional government revenue.
Farrah Naz Akbar also called for larger and more prominent graphic health warnings on cigarette packs to highlight the health consequences of tobacco use and deter young and first-time users.
She stressed the need for stronger implementation of restrictions on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS), particularly on digital and social media platforms, to prevent tobacco companies from targeting children and young people.
MNA Huma Chughtai emphasized the need for joint societal action on tobacco control and said legislators would support efforts to strengthen graphic health warnings on cigarette packs, including through a resolution in Parliament.
Director Tobacco Control Cell Dr Arsalan Haider highlighted the role of the Tobacco Control Cell in promoting effective tobacco control policies and implementing Pakistan’s commitments related to tobacco control.
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, Aurat Foundation Team Lead Syed Safdar Raza welcomed the participants and highlighted the organisation’s efforts to strengthen parliamentary and public awareness on effective tobacco control.
Tobacco Control Cell official Aftab Ahmed gave an overview of Pakistan’s tobacco control measures and the WHO MPOWER framework, stressing effective implementation, particularly stronger graphic health warnings.
Health Services Academy Dean Dr Mati Ur Rehman called for eliminating tobacco use in all forms from society, highlighting the growing health risks associated with tobacco consumption.
The participants agreed that effective tobacco control required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving Parliament, government institutions, regulators, academia, civil society and communities.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to promote evidence-based tobacco control policies, prevent tobacco initiation, encourage cessation and protect present and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.
