The streets of Pakistan are witnessing a troubling trend: an uptick in tobacco consumption among the younger generation. Experts are pointing to gaps in the enforcement of tobacco control laws and policies. During a recent policy dialogue, participants voiced alarm over how easily accessible tobacco products have become for minors. With lax enforcement and emerging tobacco products flooding the market, there’s growing anxiety about the health implications for Pakistan’s youth.
Calls for Stronger Legislation to Protect the Young
Is it time for a legislative overhaul?
Member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, Tahira Mushtaq, certainly thinks so. She announced plans to introduce comprehensive legislation aimed at tobacco control in the province. The proposed laws wouldn’t just target traditional cigarettes but also other products like gutka, bidi, naswaar, e-cigarettes, and velo.
“Other tobacco products like ‘gutka’, ‘bidi’, ‘naswaar’ as well as emerging products e-cigarettes, velo, should also be controlled,” Mushtaq emphasized.
Her initiative reflects a pressing need to address not just conventional tobacco use but also the rising popularity of alternative products among the youth.
Education Sector Steps Up Anti-Tobacco Efforts
Could schools be the frontline defense?
Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Sohail Akhtar Malik, revealed that all schools, both public and private, have been instructed to enforce laws prohibiting the use and sale of tobacco products in and around educational institutions.
Key measures include:
- Strict enforcement of existing tobacco prohibitions.
- Regular monitoring to ensure compliance.
- Educational programs to inform students about the dangers of tobacco use.
Asif Hussain from the Higher Education Commission added that similar policies are being implemented across 266 universities nationwide.
Health Experts Sound the Alarm on Tobacco Hazards
The dangers are real and escalating.
Dr. Mati ur Rehman, Dean of the Health Services Academy, detailed the severe health risks associated with tobacco use. He highlighted that tobacco is a leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths in Pakistan. With the introduction of new tobacco products, these risks are magnified.
“More than ever, we need to educate our youth about the serious health implications,” Dr. Rehman urged.
His call to action underscores the critical need for increased public awareness and education on tobacco hazards.
Advocacy Groups Demand Higher Taxes on Tobacco Products
Is taxation the deterrent we need?
Razia Sultana, a political activist from Punjab, expressed deep concern over the current taxation policies. She pointed out that while the national budget heavily taxed most products, tobacco seemed to have been overlooked.
“We are deeply concerned that in the national budget of 2024-25, even life-saving drugs and daily use food items were not spared from taxation but only tobacco was spared,” she remarked.
Sultana demanded a 26% tax on all tobacco products, arguing that higher prices could discourage consumption and generate revenue for public health initiatives.
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