Tackling Tobacco Industry's Influence: A Pressing Priority for Pakistan
Islamabad () Insidious propaganda against tobacco control efforts has sought to undermine the efforts of anti-tobacco advocates in Pakistan. National Tobacco Control Strategy NTCS has been approved in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other donor organizations working in tobacco control along with all provincial health departments and civil society organizations. In this regard, negative propaganda against tobacco control efforts will worsen the gravity of the situation.
The absence of domestic funding for tobacco control leaves the field vulnerable to the insidious machinations of the tobacco industry. Its interference extends across various fronts, from advocating for the legalization of heated tobacco products (HTPs) to contesting measures aimed at enhancing public awareness through larger pictorial health warnings and levying higher taxes on cigarettes. Such interventions serve to perpetuate the cycle of addiction i.e., 1200-1500 children start smoking every day, further deteriorating 163,000 annual deaths caused by smoking in Pakistan while undermining public health initiatives.
Communication Officer Society for Alternative Media and Research (SAMAR) Ashfaq Ahmad said that the aggressive marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry, coupled with its demonstrated capacity to influence governmental decision-making processes, underscore the gravity of the situation. Despite the escalating public health crisis posed by rising tobacco consumption in Pakistan, governmental funding earmarked for tobacco control remains conspicuously absent.
Project Coordinator Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTCT-Pak) Zeeshan Danish said that government and tobacco control advocates while utilizing expertise of donor agencies are working to reduce traditional and new tobacco products. To safeguard the integrity of tobacco control, there is an urgent imperative to establish an autonomous and sustainable tobacco control program, independently funded by the government. This independent program would not only ensure continuity and efficacy in tobacco control measures but will also reduce tobacco consumption.
In conclusion, it is a well-known fact that international organizations hire people for work from across the globe and propaganda on this basis. is truly out of the question. The propagation aimed at discrediting donor agencies collaborating with anti-tobacco advocates in Pakistan demands nationwide condemnation. We appreciate donor agencies’ help and expertise in assisting tobacco control efforts in Pakistan.
Ashfaq Ahmad
Communication Officer
Society for Alternative Media and Research
Islamabad
تمباکو کے استعمال میں کمی کے خلاف منفی پروپیگنڈہ صحت عامہ کو درپیش خطرات میں مزید اضافہ کا با عث ہے ۔
تمباکو کے کنٹرول کے خلاف حالیہ منفی پروپیگنڈہ پاکستان میں تمباکو کے استعمال کو کم کرنے کے لیے حکومتی سطح پر تمباکو کنٹرول کی کوششوں کو نقصان پہنچا نے کا باعث ہو سکتا ہے ۔ تمباکو کنٹرول کی قومی حکمت عملی (این ٹی سی ایس ) کو ورلڈ ہیلتھ آرگنائزیشن (WHO) اور تمباکو کنٹرول میں کام کرنے والی دیگر ڈونر تنظیموں کے ساتھ ساتھ تمام صوبائی محکمہ صحت اور سول سوسائٹی کی تنظیموں کے تعاون سے منظور کیا گیا ہے۔ اس سلسلے میں تمباکو پر قابو پانے کی کوششوں کے خلاف بدنیتی پر مبنی اور گمراہ کن پروپیگنڈہ صورتحال کی سنگینی میں مزید اضافہ کرے گی۔
تمباکو پر قابو پانے کے لیے ملکی فنڈنگ کی عدم موجودگی اور تمباکو صنعت کے اقدامات تمباکو کے استعمال میں اضافہ کا موجب ہیں اس کے ساتھ ساتھ تمباکو صنعت کی مداخلت مختلف محاذوں پر پھیلی ہوئی ہے، جن میں ہیٹڈ ٹوبیکو مصنوعات (HTPs) کو قانونی حیثیت دینے کی وکالت سے لے کر صحت کے بڑے انتباہات کے ذریعے عوامی بیداری کو بڑھانا اور سگریٹ پر زیادہ ٹیکس لگانے کی مخالفت کرنا ہے ۔ تمباکو صنعت کی جانب سے اس طرح کی مداخلتیں تمباکو کے زیادہ استعمال کا باعث بنتی ہیں جس کے نتیجے میں ہر روز 1200-1500 بچے سگریٹ نوشی شروع کرتے ہیں، اور پاکستان میں سالانہ 163,000 اموات ہوتی ہیں ۔
کمیونیکیشن آفیسر، سوسائٹی فار الٹرنیٹیو میڈیا اینڈ ریسرچ (SAMAR)، اشفاق احمد نے کہا کہ تمباکو کی صنعت کی جانب سے استعمال کی جانے والی جارحانہ مارکیٹنگ کی حکمت عملیوں کے ساتھ ساتھ منفی پراپیگنڈہ سے حکومتی فیصلہ سازی کے عمل کو متاثر کرنا، صورتحال کی سنگینی کو واضح کرتاہے۔ پاکستان میں تمباکو کی بڑھتی ہوئی کھپت کی وجہ سے صحت عامہ کے بڑھتے ہوئے بحران کے باوجود، تمباکو پر قابو پانے کے لیے مختص حکومتی فنڈز واضح طور پرموجود نہیں اور اس کام کے لئے حکومت خاصی حد تک عالمی اداروں پر انحصار کرتی ہے ۔ حکومت کو چاہیئے کہ اس ضمن میں سنجیدگی سے سوچے اور تمباکو اور اس سے ہونے والی بیماریوں پر قابو پانے کے لئے ٹھوس اور واضح حکمت عملی کا اطلاق کرے اور عالمی ادوروں پر اپنا انحصار کم کرے ۔
پراجیکٹ کوآرڈینیٹر، کولیشن فار ٹوبیکو کنٹرول پاکستان (CTCT-Pak)، ذیشان دانش نے کہا کہ حکومت اور تمباکو کنٹرول کے حامی ڈونر ایجنسیوں کی مہارت کو بروئے کار لاتے ہوئے، روایتی اور نئی تمباکو مصنوعات کے استعمال کو کم کرنے کے لیے مل کر کام کر رہے ہیں۔ تمباکو کے کنٹرول اور صحت عامہ کی سالمیت کے تحفظ کے لیے حکومت کی طرف سے مالی اعانت سے ایک خود مختار اور پائیدار تمباکو کنٹرول پروگرام قائم کرنے کی فوری ضرورت ہے۔ یہ آزاد پروگرام نہ صرف تمباکو کنٹرول کے اقدامات میں تسلسل اور افادیت کو یقینی بنائے گا بلکہ تمباکو کی کھپت کو بھی کم کرے گا۔
کولیشن فار ٹوبیکو کنٹرول پاکستان سو سے زائد تنظیموں کا اتحاد ہے جو ملک میں ٹوبیکو کنٹرول کے لئے کام کر رہی ہیں ، حالیہ دنوں میں ٹوبیکو کنٹرول اور وزارت صحت کے خلاف ہونے والا منفی پراپیگنڈہ کی بھرپور مذمت کرتا ہے اور ہم پاکستان میں سگریٹ اور تمباکو کی دیگر مصنوعات کے استعمال کو کم کرنے اور صحت عامہ کو بچانے میں مدد دینے کے لیے ڈونر ایجنسیوں کی مدد اور مہارت کو سراہتے ہیں۔
اشفاق احمد
03345826192
Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak) Advocates for Increased Tobacco Taxation
ISLAMABAD: The Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak), comprising over 100 organizations nationwide dedicated to tobacco control, welcomes the appointment of the new finance minister and encourages him to consider tobacco taxation as a strategic avenue for economic enhancement in its improved tax regime for real estate and retail sectors.
In line with public health objectives, CTC-Pak underscores the importance of raising taxes on cigarettes to curb tobacco consumption, thereby fostering improved health outcomes for the populace. Moreover, CTC-Pak endorsed Dr. Nadeem Jan, former Federal Minister for National Health Services, call for a 50% increase in tobacco taxes to curb smoking, particularly among the youth, citing grave health hazards.
CTC-Pak supports health advocates prioritizing higher taxes on tobacco products for multiple reasons. Firstly, raising tobacco taxes effectively reduces consumption, especially among vulnerable groups like youth and low-income individuals, promoting better public health outcomes. Secondly, higher tobacco taxes alleviate significant economic burdens stemming from healthcare costs, lost productivity, and premature deaths, thus benefiting both public health and overall economic well-being. Thirdly, implementing such taxes signals policymakers to address tobacco use as a critical public health and economic concern, fostering the adoption of comprehensive tobacco control measures.
The coalition appeals to the newly appointed Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, urging him to acknowledge the significant challenge posed by tobacco consumption in Pakistan. With an estimated 31.9 million adults engaging in tobacco use, constituting 19.7% of the adult population, the impact on public health and the economy is profound.
It further stresses the strain placed on healthcare resources to manage smoking-induced non-communicable diseases, emphasizing the urgent necessity for measures like increased tobacco taxation to alleviate economic burdens and safeguard public health.
Zeeshan Danish, Project Coordinator at CTC-Pak, underscores the affordability of tobacco as a key driver behind youth initiation into smoking, further emphasizing the economic toll associated with smoking-related illnesses and fatalities.
Communication Officer CTC-Pak, Ashfaq Ahmad asserts that as we navigate the challenges posed by tobacco use, collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders is paramount. Together, we must work towards creating a tobacco-free environment that prioritizes public health and safeguards future generations from the perils of tobacco addiction.
تمباکو انڈسٹری کی طرف سے تمباکو کنٹرول قوانین کی خلاف ورزی پر سول سوسائٹی کو تشویش
اسلام آباد ( ) پاکستان میں سول سوسائٹی اور صحت عامہ کے حامیوں کو ملک بھر میں فروخت کے مختلف مقامات پر تمباکو انڈسٹری کی طرف سے انسداد تمباکو قوانین کی کھلم کھلا خلاف ورزی پر تشویش ہے اور حکومت اور وزارت صحت کے تمباکو کنٹرول سیل سے مطالبہ کرتے ہیں کہ تمباکو پر قابو پانے کے اقدامات کو نافذ کرنے اور مضبوط کرنے کے لیے فوری کارروائی کی جائے ۔کولیشن فار ٹوبیکو کنٹرول پاکستان (سی ٹی سی –پاک) سو سے زائد سول سوسائٹی آرگنائزیشن کا اتحاد ہے کولیشن فار ٹوبیکو کنٹرول پاکستان کے پراجیکٹ کوآرڈینیٹر ذیشان دانش نے کہا، "فروخت کے مقام پر تمباکو کنٹرول قوانین کی بے تحاشا خلاف ورزی انتہائی تشویشناک ہے۔۔ تمباکو انڈسٹری کی جانب سے غریبوں اور کم آمدنی والے افراد کو اپنے مختلف حیلوں اور بہانوں اور مارکیٹنگ کے ہتھکنڈوں کا استعمال اور انسداد تمباکو قوانین کی خلاف ورزی کو دیکھنا مایوس کن ہے۔ پوائنٹ آف سیل پر اشتہارات کی بھر مار ایک چیلنج ہے۔ تمباکو کی مصنوعات اکثر کیش کاؤنٹرز کے قریب نمایاں طور پر آویزاں ہوتی ہیں، جو انہیں آسانی سے قابل رسائی اور نوجوانوں سمیت صارفین کو اپنی طرف متوجہ کرتی ہیں ۔ یہ نمائش اور اشتہار بزی تمباکو کے استعمال میں اضافہ کو یقینی بناتی ہیں اور تسلسل سے خریداری کے امکانات کو بڑھاتی ہے۔ مزید برآں، تمباکو کمپنیوں کی جانب سے اعلان کردہ اسکیمیں اور پروموشنز، جیسے قیمتوں میں چھوٹ یا بونس آفرز، صارفین کو راغب کرتی ہیں اور کھپت میں اضافہ کا باعث بن سکتی ہیں۔ یہ حربے صحت عامہ کی کوششوں کو نقصان پہنچاتے ہیں اور کمزور آبادیوں کو نشانہ بناتے ہیں، بشمول کم آمدنی والے افراد اور نوجوان، جو قیمتوں کی ترغیبات کے لیے زیادہ حساس ہو سکتے ہیں۔ ذیشان دانش پروجیکٹ کوآرڈینیٹر CTC-Pak نے اس بات پر زور دیا کہ ان خلاف ورزیوں سے نمٹنے کے لیے ایک کثیر جہتی نقطہ نظر ضروری ہے۔ تمباکو کنٹرول قوانین کی خلاف ورزی کے لیے نفاذ کے طریقہ کار اور سزاؤں کو مضبوط بنانا بہت ضروری ہے تاکہ تمباکو سے پاک معاشرے کے ہدف کو حاصل کیا جاسکے ۔ حکومتی اداروں، صحت عامہ کی تنظیموں، سول سوسائٹی اور میڈیا کے درمیان تعاون پر مبنی کوششیں تمباکو کنٹرول کے قوانین کی تعمیل میں بیداری پیدا کرنے اور اسے نافذ کرنے میں اہم کردار ادا کر سکتی ہیں۔
Civil society concerned over violation of tobacco control laws by tobacco manufacturers
Islamabad ( ) Leading civil society organizations and public health advocates in Pakistan have come together to raise their collective voices against the blatant violation of tobacco control laws by tobacco manufacturers at various points of sale across the country. This alarming trend has prompted a call for immediate action from government authorities and relevant stakeholders to enforce and strengthen tobacco control measures.
"The rampant violation of tobacco control laws at the point of sales is deeply concerning," said Zeeshan Danish, Project Coordinator of Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak). "We have worked tirelessly to advocate for strong tobacco control measures and to protect our citizens, especially our youth, from the harmful effects of tobacco. It is disheartening to witness tobacco manufacturers undermining these efforts using deceptive marketing tactics targeting vulnerable populations.
The point-of-sale advertisement also remains a challenge. Tobacco products are often displayed prominently near cash counters, making them easily accessible and appealing to consumers, including youth. This exposure normalizes tobacco use and increases the likelihood of impulse purchases. Furthermore, schemes and promotions announced by tobacco companies, such as price discounts or bonus offers, entice consumers and can lead to increased consumption. These tactics undermine public health efforts and target vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and youth, who may be more susceptible to price incentives.
Zeeshan Danish Project Coordinator CTC-Pak emphasized that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to address these violations. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violating tobacco control laws is crucial. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, public health organizations, civil society and media can play a pivotal role in raising awareness and enforcing compliance with tobacco control laws.
Ministry of Finance and Tobacco Industry meeting on World No Tobacco Day is a matter of utter disappointing for Anti-Tobacco Advocates
Islamabad ( ) The Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak), an alliance of more than 100 organizations, expressed its apprehensions about the meeting between tobacco industry and Ministry of Finance regarding the tobacco industry's budget proposal. According to Zeshan Danish, project coordinator of CTC-Pak, the implementation of a 154% tax on the tobacco industry in February 2023 is a positive step that should not be sabotaged in any way. The increase in taxes has resulted in higher cigarette prices, which are now beyond the reach of the general public, and it has resulted positively towards tobacco control efforts in Pakistan. However, Pakistan's cigarette prices are still lower compared to many other countries. The recent tax hike has significantly reduced cigarette consumption, resulting in improved public health and a reduced burden on healthcare budgets. International cigarette manufacturing companies are highlighting the argument of illegal cigarette sales as a tactic to reduce taxes, we hope that Government of Pakistan should not fall into this trap. Instead, law enforcement agencies should play their active role in confiscation drives of illegal cigarettes from the market and permanently shut down illegal cigarette companies. The policy issue regarding tax collection should be addressed separately, taking into account the health implications for the public rather than solely focusing on revenue. The Project Coordinator of CTC-Pak, demanded that the tax rate on tobacco can be increased further, and concrete measures should be taken to control the production of illegal tobacco products.
Civil society urges govt. not to distract from tobacco taxation
According to media reports, tobacco growers expressed their gratitude to the federal government for responding to the demands of tobacco growers and imposing a tax on cigarette packs instead of tobacco leaves. On the contrary, the concerns expressed by anti-tobacco advocates regarding the taxation of tobacco in Pakistan are legitimate and must be addressed by the government. Tobacco taxation is a proven method of reducing tobacco consumption, and it is essential that all forms of tobacco including e-liquids, and tobacco mixtures for HTPs are taxed in order to achieve the maximum benefits. The recent decision of the federal government to tax packed tobacco and leaves is a positive step, but it is important that the government does not favour any particular segment of the industry. The sustainability of tobacco taxation in Pakistan can only be achieved if taxes are sustained at each level, and if the government remains committed to achieving the World Health Organization's target of 70% tax on cigarettes.
The affordability of cigarettes is a major factor in tobacco consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations such as youth and low-income individuals. By increasing taxes on tobacco, the government can make cigarettes less affordable, thereby reducing consumption and improving public health. This, in turn, can lead to reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity, as smoking-related illnesses are a significant burden on the healthcare system and result in the least productivity due to illness and premature deaths.
Project Coordinator of Coalition for Tobacco Control CTC-Pak Zeeshan Danish further said while the recent increase in tobacco taxes in Pakistan is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done in order to achieve the WHO's target of 70% tax on cigarettes. The government must remain committed to this target and take further steps to increase taxes on tobacco in a sustainable manner. Moreover, the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) in letter and spirit will ensure the sustainability of all indicators of NTCS, especially tobacco tax. This includes ensuring that taxes are sustained at each level and that no segment of the industry is favoured over others.
Increasing Taxes on Cigarettes, most cost-effective way of reducing tobacco consumption
Islamabad () Approval of S.R.O. 178(1)/2023 aimed to increase excise tax on cigarettes is a highly commendable move by the govt of Pakistan. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken a historic step to protect public health. The move will further strengthen a sustainable economic growth. But there is great room available to increase further taxes on cigarettes, helping a great deal in reducing the affordability of cigarettes, especially among youth.
The demand for tobacco is strongly influenced by its price. Taxation is the most cost-effective way of reducing tobacco consumption, especially among young people and those on low income. Price increases encourage people to stop smoking, prevent others from starting smoking, and discourage ex-smokers from starting smoking again.
Studies have shown that the effect of taxation is more pronounced in developing countries. A price rise of 10% decreases consumption by 4% in developed countries and by up to 8 % in developing countries.
There is considerable scope to increase tobacco prices through taxation. In many countries cigarette prices have not kept up with increases in the price of other goods and services. Studies have also predicted that cigarette price increases of 33% would prevent 22-65 million smoking related deaths worldwide, or 5-15% of all such deaths. An increase of 70% would save 46-114 million smoking-related deaths, or 10-26%. Most would be among young men in developing countries.
The tobacco industry’s argument that tobacco taxes are unfair for poor people ignores an important fact: on average, poor people are also more price sensitive than rich people. They are therefore more likely to stop smoking or reduce consumption when faced with a tobacco tax increase.
Apart from the health benefits, there is evidence that, in the longer term, tobacco tax increases actually shift the tax burden from the poor to the rich. They thereby increase the income available for other types of spending.
Project Coordinator Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan CTC-Pak urges the government to further increase taxes on tobacco. Taxes on tobacco in Pakistan is lowest as compared to the region. It will not only discourage new smokers but will also decrease the overall consumption of tobacco among all factions. Moreover, National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) must be implemented in letter and spirit which will strengthen tobacco control efforts in the country.
Quitting tobacco use is the most effective way to reduce the risk of cancer and other tobacco-related diseases.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer and is responsible for multiple types of cancer including lung, throat, bladder, pancreas, and more. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, which increase the risk of cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco is responsible for around 22% of all cancer deaths worldwide. Quitting tobacco use is the most effective way to reduce the risk of cancer and other tobacco-related diseases.
Cancer is a significant public health issue in Pakistan, with an estimated 160,000 new cases and 110,000 deaths due to cancer reported annually. The most common types of cancer in Pakistan include lung, breast, stomach, throat, blood and liver cancer. The increasing prevalence of cancer in the country is attributed to several factors.
Collation for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak) project coordinator Zeeshan Danish said that On World Cancer Day, it is important to raise awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco use and the need for continued efforts to reduce its impact.
In addition, risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity are contributing to the rise in cancer cases in Pakistan. The country also faces a shortage of medical facilities, as well as limited access to modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, it is essential to implement effective cancer control strategies, including promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing access to early detection and treatment services, and important one the reduces tobacco use and implements tobacco control laws to prevent cancer hazards and its burden in Pakistan, he said.
The Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak) has urged the government to Approve and Implement National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) to prevent Tobacco Hazards and Health Burden.
The high prevalence of tobacco use in Pakistan poses a substantial health and economic burden to Pakistani individuals, families, and society beside the legalization of Heated Tobacco Products (HTP’s) will strongly affect the increased diseases, health burden and miseries of society.Project Coordinator CTC- Pak Zeeshan Danish said that legalization of HTPs is disappointing and similar to push back the efforts of decades to safeguard the nation from losses by tobacco products. More than 1200 underage children’s start smoking every day in Pakistan, the number will be increased if the growing trend of novel tobacco is not stopped. Tobacco industry and its front groups’ falsely claiming that HTPs are harmless and alternative products, it is a misleading concept to grab the attention of youth to increase market share and earn profit. As per WHO recommendations, all forms of tobacco use are harmful, including HTPs are inherently toxic and contains carcinogens, beside the European Commission has announced a prohibition on flavored heated tobacco products from November 23, 2022, in its efforts to fight cancer, He further said that, this unpleasant move was taken at a time when many neighboring countries have strictly banned such products and the European Commission has announced a prohibition on flavored heated tobacco products from November 23, 2022, in its efforts to fight cancer. The CTC-Pak and other tobacco control organizations have urged upon the government to approve and implement the strategy without further delay. The CSOs asked the Tobacco Control Cell (TCC) of Ministry of Health to play its role for approval of the strategy and thwart the efforts to spread tobacco products in the country jeopardizing the public health.Legalization of e-cigarettes in Pakistan is blatant violation of FCTC protocol and country’s tobacco control laws Civil society urges to approve tobacco control strategy without delay
ISLAMABAD: Delays in the approval of the National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) has definitely paved the way for moves to facilitate tobacco industry as approval of SRO on Heated Tobacco Products. Coalition for Tobacco Control-Pakistan (CTC-Pak), a coalition of more than 100 CSos has expressed concern and utter disappointment on measures taken by the government to legalize Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) particularly e-cigarettes in Pakistan which are against the protocols of FCTC and country’s tobacco control laws. It is ironic that the Ministry of health did not even consult with all stakeholders while legalizing heated tobacco products which are already banned in the region’s countries. Being the signatory of the FCTC, issuing SRO regarding e-cigarettes is blatant violation of international convention protocols for tobacco control.CTC-Pak project coordinator, Zeeshan Danish, in a statement has said that the Ministry of Health instead of focusing on the enforcement of tobacco control laws to safe public health, has been facilitating the tobacco industry by disregarding Article 5.2 of the FCTC. It is surprising that the ministry is trying to reverse the country’s efforts and achievements of two decades regarding tobacco control.WHO and international donors are providing support to the government to take measures for tobacco control in Pakistan. FCTC member countries are responsible for policy making for tobacco control. The health ministry has developed a National Tobacco Control Policy or Strategy which is waiting to be approved since long. The CTC-Pak and other tobacco control organizations have urged upon the government to approve and implement the strategy without further delay.The CSOs asked the Tobacco Control Cell (TCC) of Ministry of Health to play its role for approval of the strategy and thwart the efforts to spread tobacco products in the country jeopardizing the public health.Civil society concerned over legalising e-cigarettes in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Coalition for Tobacco Control-Pakistan (CTC-Pak) and other tobacco control organisations have expressed their concerns and utter disappointment on measures being taken by the government to legalise heated tobacco products particularly e-cigarettes in Pakistan which are against the protocols of FCTC. Being the signatory of the FCTC, issuing SRO regarding e-cigarettes would be violation international convention protocols for tobacco control.CTC-Pak project coordinator, Zeeshan Danish, in a statement has said that it is ironic that Ministry of Health instead of focusing on enforcement of tobacco control laws to safe public health, is facilitating tobacco industry by disregarding the Article 5.2 of the FCTC. Moreover, the Ministry did not even consult with the all stakeholders while taking measures to legalise heated tobacco products which are already banned in the region’s countries.It is surprising that the ministry is trying to reverse the country’s two decades efforts and achievements regarding tobacco control.Tobacco control advocates urged upon the ministry of health that instead of facilitating tobacco industry, it should focus on the approval of National Tobacco Control Strategy lying with ministry for the past many months. They also urged upon the Tobacco Control Cell of Ministry of Health to play its role and thwart the efforts to spread tobacco products in the country jeopardising the public health.صحت عامہ کے مفاد کو مدنظر رکھتے ہوئے نیشنل ٹوبیکو کنٹرول پالیسی کو منظور کیا جائے ۔
پاکستان میں ای سگریٹ کو قانونی قرار دینا ایف سی ٹی سی پروٹوکول کی خلاف ورزی ہے۔اسلام آباد( ) نیشنل ٹوبیکو کنٹرول سٹریٹجی (NTCS) کی منظوری میں "تاخیر" نے ہیٹڈ ٹوبیکو مصنوعات جیسے ای سگریٹ اور ویپ کی منظوری کی راہ ہموار کی ہے ۔کولیشن فار ٹوبیکو کنٹرول پاکستان (سی ٹی سی پاک ) ، سو سے زائد سول سوسائٹی آرگنائزیشنز پر مشتمل اتحاد ہے سی ٹی سی پاک نے پاکستان میں ای سگریٹ (HTPs) کو قانونی حیثیت دینے کے لیے حکومت کی طرف سے کیے گئے اقدامات پر تشویش اور سراسر مایوسی کا اظہار کیا ہے ہیٹڈ ٹوبیکو پراڈکٹ کی منظوری فریم ورک کنونشن فار ٹوبیکو کنٹرول (ایف سی ٹی سی) کے پروٹوکول کے خلاف ہیں۔ یہ ستم ظریفی ہے کہ وزارت صحت نے ہیٹڈ ٹوبیکو کی مصنوعات کو قانونی قرار دیتے ہوئے اسٹیک ہولڈرز سے مشاورت تک نہیں کی ان مصنوعات پر خطے کے ممالک میں پہلے ہی پابندی ہے۔ ایف سی ٹی سی کے دستخط کنندہ ہونے کے ناطے، ای سگریٹ کے حوالے سے ایس آر او جاری کرنا تمباکو کنٹرول کے بین الاقوامی کنونشن پروٹوکول کی صریح خلاف ورزی ہے۔سی ٹی سی پاک کے پروجیکٹ کوآرڈینیٹر ذیشان دانش نے ایک بیان میں کہا ہے کہ وزارت صحت ، کو محفوظ بنانے کے لیے تمباکو کنٹرول قوانین کے نفاذ پر توجہ دینے کے بجائے ایف سی ٹی سی کے آرٹیکل 5.2 کو نظر انداز کر کے تمباکو کی صنعت کو سہولت فراہم کر دی ہے۔ وزارت صحت کا یہ عمل انسداد تمباکو کے حوالے سے ملک کی دو دہائیوں کی کوششوں اور کامیابیوں کو پلٹنے کے مترادف ہے۔ایف سی ٹی سی کا رکن ملک ہونے کے باعث ڈبلیو ایچ او اور بین الاقوامی ڈونرز حکومت کو پاکستان میں تمباکو پر قابو پانے کے لیے اقدامات کرنے میں مدد فراہم کر رہے ہیں تاکہ ایک مکمل اور جامع تمباکو کنٹرول کی پالیسی کو وضع کیا جا سکے اس ضمن میں وزارت صحت نے قومی تمباکو کنٹرول پالیسی یا حکمت عملی تیار کی ہے جو ایک عرصے سے منظور ہونے کا انتظار کر رہی ہے۔ سی ٹی سی پاک اور دیگر تمباکو کنٹرول تنظیمیں حکومت سے پر زور مطالبہ کرتی ہیں کہ بناء کسی تاخیر کے تمباکو کنٹرول کی حکمت عملی کی منظوری دے اور اس پر عمل درآمد کر ے اور وزارت صحت کے ٹوبیکو کنٹرول سیل (TCC) سے پر زور اپیل کرتے ہیں کہ وہ حکمت عملی کی منظوری کے لیے اپنا کردار ادا کریں اور ملک میں صحت عامہ کو خطرے میں ڈالنے والی تمباکو کی مصنوعات کو ملک میں پھیلانے کی کوششوں کو ناکام بنائیں۔Pictures of launching of research study
Launching of Research Study on The marketing and interference tactics of the tobacco industry and its front groups Islamabad ( ) Society for Alternative Media and Research (SAMAR) organized Launching of Research Study on “The marketing and interference tactics of the tobacco industry and its front groups”. Findings of a research show that Tobacco Industry misleads and attempts to portray its New Novel Products (NNPs) as harmless with no negative effects on public health through different means of communication. Moreover tobacco industry produces and disseminates misleading on research based information of its need to convince and attract youth to buy its products. The event was graced by renowned health experts and anti-tobacco advocated including Dr. Minhaj us Siraj, Professor, Health Services Academy, Research Journalist Yawar Abbas, Mr. Shahzad Alam Khan, National Professional Officer, WHO, Mr. Khuram Hashmi, Senior Technical Advisor, The Union, Sania Ali Khan Focal Person (STOP) A Global Tobacco Industry Watchdog, Mr. Mazhar Arif Executive Director SAMAR, Dr Saba Amjad COO, Heart File and representatives of civil society and media. Speakers urges that tobacco industry engages directly in lobbying and influencing policymaking to avoid facing negative market results and to continue promotional activities without any barrier, particularly with regards to novel products. Speakers show their concern that enforcement agencies can play effective role to control TI's marketing and promotional activities especially for non-combustible novel products. Communication officer explained that the purpose of the study is to understand exactly the tactics and activities of TI and its front groups, besides their marketing strategies to promote novel tobacco products (NNPs). Participation discussed further that Tobacco Control efforts could be accelerated in Pakistan and how Pakistan can achieve targets agreed in Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Participants pledged to accelerate efforts regarding FCTC's targets and tobacco control activities in Pakistan.
