Also see: Letter written to MoH (PDF format)

Islamabad: Coalition For Tobacco Control – Pakistan (CTC-Pak) and other civil society organizations working for the prohibition of smoking and protection of non-smokers’ health have expressed their concern over blatant violation of rules by tobacco industry regarding ban on advertisements and unethical and unlawful promotion of different brands of cigarettes and urged upon the government to take immediate steps to check the new unlawful tactics of the industry.

While monitoring of the implementation of tobacco control statutes encompassed in ‘Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers’ Health Ordinance 2002’  by conducting periodical surveys in major districts and cities of Pakistan, the CTC-Pak observed that there are different types of advertisements related to tobacco promotion circulating in the market blatantly violating the law. These are in the form of large stickers pasted prominently either on the display counter of the shops or on the front wall / glass window of the shop or both. They are to promote the ‘new blend’, ‘fresh scent’ and of course, if one is lucky to find a certain colored cigarette in a pack, he or she is entitled for attractive rewards which can be ‘two free cigarettes’ or one of the 12 ‘Bumper Prizes’ i.e. a brand new Tractor.

Various studies have established tobacco promotion as a cause of increased tobacco consumption. The tobacco industry continues to cater its unethical marketing tactics to promote and attract the potential smokers. The tobacco industry invests millions, if not billions of rupees, of their budget in capacity of advertisement campaigns as they know that this is precise tool to gain profits many fold.

With current smoking patterns, there are more than 20 million smokers in Pakistan only. The death toll of tobacco consumers, in one form or another, is on an alarming level and tobacco is already identified as one of the major health hazards in Pakistan. Such promotions not only encourage existing smokers to further indulge in smoking but also attract new, as well as young, smokers.

Unfortunately such promotions are being made in Pakistan at a time when in the developed countries the governments have drawn up proposals including a bar on displaying tobacco products and removal of vending machines from pubs.

The CTC-Pak and civil society organizations have urged upon the ministry of health and particularly Tobacco Control Cell of the ministry to take immediate steps to stop such types of promotions of killer products.

Also see: Letter written to MoH (PDF format)