Youth at Risk: Experts Call for Urgent Tobacco Control Measures
— January 20, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) held a two-day dialogue in the capital to address the rising tobacco epidemic among Pakistan’s youth. The event, titled “Discussion on Sustainable Tobacco Control Measures: Protecting Youth from Emerging Health Risks,” brought together experts from public health, regulatory bodies, taxation, environmental sectors, and media to develop coordinated strategies.
Key discussions focused on strengthening policy frameworks, improving enforcement mechanisms, increasing tobacco taxes, regulating new tobacco products, and launching innovative public advocacy campaigns. Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and PRs, underscored the dire consequences of tobacco use, stating, “The health of our future generations is at risk, and it is a challenge we cannot afford to ignore.”
Prof. Dr Matiur Rehman, Dean of Allied Healthcare Sciences at the Health Services Academy, shared alarming statistics, noting that over 1.3 billion people globally use tobacco, causing nearly 8 million deaths annually. He highlighted that the economic burden of smoking on individuals aged 35 and above in Pakistan amounts to an estimated PKR 615.07 billion.
Adding to the discussion, Dr Faouzia Hanif, Deputy Director at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, stated that tobacco-related diseases claim over 160,000 lives in Pakistan each year.
The dialogue concluded with a call for action, including raising tobacco taxes, regulating emerging tobacco products, and enhancing public awareness campaigns. Dr Khalil Ahmad, program manager at SPARC, stressed the urgency of these measures, warning, “Tobacco use among our youth is a growing epidemic that poses severe health, social, and economic challenges. We must act decisively to curb this trend before it spirals out of control.”