ISLAMABAD: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) has expressed deep concerns over a latest proposal by the tobacco industry, pressurizing the government to allow cigarette packs with less than 20 cigarettes, a move that could wreak havoc on the public health, especially among youth and vulnerable segments of the society.
Pakistan is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which requires evidence-based measures aimed at the reduction of tobacco consumption and protection of public health. Article 16.3 of the FCTC specifically requires that countries prohibit the sale of packs of less than the prescribed limit since they enhance the affordability and availability of tobacco products among minors.
Global best practices advocate for at least 20 cigarettes per pack, and more than 80 countries have promulgated such legislations to deter the access of youth to tobacco.
Though Pakistan's laws have since long aligned with the FCTC by prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and import of cigarette packs containing fewer than 20 sticks, the new move by the industry to introduce the former for export purposes raises an alarm. Allowing them to be manufactured - even for export purposes - risks eroding the long-standing public health commitment of the country and paves the way for entrance of these miniscule and cheaper packs into the domestic market.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad, SPARC's program manager, while emphasizing on the potential harms of these efforts said: “This campaign by the tobacco companies to produce packs of less than 20 sticks, under the guise of export, can undermine country’s longstanding efforts against tobacco control. There is a significant danger that these products will shortly find their way into our local markets, thereby poisoning the health of our youth and lower-income populations even further."
Dr. Khalil called upon the government to stand firm against the pressure of industry and protect the progress which Pakistan has made regarding the decrease in tobacco consumption, particularly among minors. Dr. Ahmad further laid emphasis on the requirement to stay respectful to the rules of WHO FCTC, which calls for the prevention of the promotion of products that make tobacco more accessible to minors.
Health advocate warn that relaxing regulations could increase the economic burden on the country, already dealing with substantial health costs due to tobacco-related diseases. The government has to be reminded of its commitment to the FCTC and must continue enforcing laws protecting public health while preventing vulnerable populations from suffering the brunt of smoke spreading.
Finally, SPARC urge the government to resist any changes in the tobacco control legislation that may affect public’s health and the country’s economy in the future.
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