M. Waqar Bhatti
Murree: Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, has emphasized the need for regulating tobacco sales and usage to protect children from its harmful effects, claiming complete eradication of tobacco from society is “an idealistic approach”.
“Despite knowing the hazards of tobacco, no nation has succeeded in completely eliminating its use. However, efforts can and must be made to protect children from its dangers,” he said while addressing a two-day dialogue titled “Discussion on Sustainable Tobacco Control Measures: Protecting Youth from Emerging Health Risks.”
The dialogue, organized by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), brought together experts, policymakers, and media professionals to discuss comprehensive strategies to curb tobacco usage among youth.
The event was attended by officials from the Ministries of National Health Services, Climate Change, Planning Commission, and the Federal Board of Revenue, alongside representatives from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Barrister Saif highlighted the enormous influence of both multinational and local tobacco companies in Pakistan and described local tobacco manufacturers as a “mafia” with deep-rooted societal influence, owning pharmaceutical companies, media outlets, and even holding parliamentary positions.
“While small tobacco growers barely earn a living, the real beneficiaries are the cigarette manufacturers, who are raking in billions of rupees. We need to offer economically viable alternatives to these growers to help them shift to sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
He further warned about the rising threat of synthetic drugs, particularly Crystal Meth (Ice), which has become prevalent among university students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “The media and other societal segments must join hands with authorities to tackle this growing menace,” he urged.
Renowned public health expert and Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy (HSA), Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan, in a telephonic address, described tobacco as one of the greatest threats to public health over the last half-century.
“Tobacco affects every part of the human body, often causing irreversible damage. Its harmful effects extend beyond physical health, as it serves as a gateway to addiction to other substances. Early intervention is essential to minimize its long-term consequences,” he emphasized.
Prof. Khan urged the government to take immediate action, as the cost of inaction far outweighs the financial burden of controlling tobacco use. He called for tobacco-free environments, a strict ban on sales to minors, and enhanced public advocacy campaigns, noting that these measures are cost-effective yet highly impactful.
Dr. Faouzia Hanif, Deputy Director at the Ministry of National Health Services, highlighted alarming figures, revealing that over 160,000 deaths annually in Pakistan are linked to tobacco use, with nearly 1,200 children aged 10–14 starting smoking every day. “Strengthening existing laws and adopting new protective measures is essential to reverse this trend,” she said.
Dean at HAS Prof. Dr. Matiur Rehman pointed out that tobacco use leads to approximately 8 million deaths annually worldwide, with Pakistan facing an economic burden of PKR 615 billion due to smoking-related illnesses. He called for stringent regulations on emerging products such as e-cigarettes, which are particularly appealing to youth.
Chief Health Officer at the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Dr. Muhammad Asif emphasized the link between tobacco use and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses. “An integrated approach combining health warnings, public education, and youth engagement is crucial to tackle this crisis,” he stated.
Rao M. Rizwan, from the Ministry of Climate Change, highlighted the environmental impact of tobacco farming, including deforestation and soil degradation. He called for sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate these effects.
The dialogue concluded with a set of actionable resolutions aimed at addressing the growing tobacco epidemic among youth in Pakistan.
Participants emphasized the need to raise tobacco taxes to discourage consumption and generate revenue for health initiatives, while also implementing stringent regulations on emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms to prevent sales to minors and creating public awareness campaigns about the hazards of tobacco were also highlighted as critical steps.
The recommendations included encouraging political and religious leaders to advocate against tobacco use, ensuring compliance with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and introducing measures to regulate nicotine levels in cigarettes, akin to policies implemented by the FDA in the United States.
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