BY: FT Correspondent
ISLAMABAD — The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a session on strengthening Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) regulations and increasing Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) on cigarette packs to protect young people from tobacco-related harms.
Addressing the session as chief guest, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan Murtaza Solangi said tobacco continues to claim millions of lives globally and called for stronger measures, including a comprehensive ban on TAPS and increasing GHW coverage to at least 85 percent.
He said stronger regulations could reduce the appeal and visibility of tobacco products, particularly among young people, and help protect present and future generations.
Member of the National Assembly Huma Akhtar Chughtai said youth are exposed to indirect promotional strategies through attractive packaging, event sponsorships and online content. She supported strengthening TAPS regulations and expanding GHWs to 85 percent.
SPARC Program Manager Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar said promotional activities continue to influence consumer behavior despite existing restrictions. He called for a complete ban on direct and indirect tobacco promotion and stressed that effective graphic health warnings can encourage smokers to quit and discourage tobacco use among non-smokers.
CTFK Country Representative Anees Sukhera also called for stronger TAPS regulations and 85 percent GHW coverage, saying these measures could help create a safer and healthier environment for youth.
Prof. Dr. Matiur Rahman, Dean of Allied Health Sciences, Lung Diseases and Tobacco Control at the Health Sciences Academy, highlighted the health, healthcare and economic burden caused by tobacco use.
The session was attended by PEMRA DG Operations Broadcast Sajjad Ahmed, Prime Minister Youth Program Director Dr. Waqar, Tobacco Control Cell representative Muhammad Aftab Ahmad, government officials, journalists, civil society representatives, academics, media professionals and youth ambassadors.
