Islamabad (Agencies): The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) has praised the Government of Pakistan for its significant achievements in tobacco control, highlighting the country’s commitment to protecting public health and safeguarding future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco use.
At a recent networking meeting with journalists, Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Program Manager at SPARC, emphasized the severity of the tobacco crisis in Pakistan, which claims the lives of over 163,000 Pakistanis annually—about 11% of all deaths. “Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health crises in Pakistan. The addictive nicotine in tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, has proven links to deadly diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, and cancer,” he said. Globally, tobacco use kills more than 8 million people each year, with 1.2 million deaths caused by exposure to second-hand smoke.
Dr. Khalil noted that in Pakistan, 24 million adults use tobacco products, including 15.6 million smokers and 7.6 million users of smokeless tobacco. These alarming figures underline the urgency for robust and sustained interventions to prevent tobacco-related harm. He acknowledged the crucial role of civil society organizations and international supporters of tobacco control in supporting the regulation of tobacco products in accordance with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to which Pakistan has been a Party since 2005.
“It is crucial that we promote positivity and progress in society while preventing such false narratives from gaining traction,” Dr. Khalil added. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and civil society in maintaining progress towards a healthier society, stressing the need for a united stand against tobacco use to protect future generations.
The session served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between health advocates and journalists, fostering a shared understanding of the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures. Participants emphasized the collective responsibility of media, civil society, and policymakers in countering misinformation and reinforcing efforts to protect public health. The discussion concluded with a renewed commitment to fight against misinformation campaigns and false narratives, ensuring they do not gain the attention of the masses.