SPARC organised a two-day consultative session in Islamabad to review the WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic Report and discuss best practices on TAPS and GHWs, bringing together representatives from federal and provincial ministries, WHO officials, media, academia, civil society and youth organisations.
Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, addressed participants as Chief Guest and urged a comprehensive ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship, while emphasising the need for larger Graphic Health Warnings to enhance public awareness and deter tobacco use. His remarks reinforced the urgency of legislative and regulatory measures to strengthen tobacco control across Pakistan.
Delegates engaged in interactive group activities designed to translate policy guidance into practical action. Participants visited local markets to document and assess real-world violations of TAPS rules and inadequate GHW implementation, then shared on-the-ground observations and pragmatic recommendations for improved enforcement at both federal and provincial levels.
The session used the WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic Report and established best practices as the foundation for concrete proposals aimed at closing enforcement gaps. Stakeholders discussed coordination mechanisms between ministries, civil society monitoring, media advocacy and youth-led initiatives to accelerate tobacco control measures and ensure larger, clearly visible health warnings on tobacco products.
By the end of the consultative meeting, all attendees reaffirmed their commitment to a healthier, tobacco-free Pakistan and agreed to pursue the recommended steps to strengthen tobacco control enforcement, protect public health and amplify community-level awareness campaigns.
