Spokesman Report
Islamabad : The Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak), a national coalition of like-minded civil society organizations has appreciated the Federal Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination for its continued commitment to safeguarding public health.
Pakistan’s experience with tobacco industry interference has been documented in international reports, including those published under the Global Governance in Tobacco Control initiative. These reports highlight attempts by the tobacco industry to influence policymaking, including efforts to pressure the Ministry of Health to permit the export of so-called “kiddie packs.” CTC-Pak acknowledges and commends the Ministry’s firm decision last year to reject these proposals and prioritize the protection of public health over commercial interests.
Civil society organizations hope the Ministry will maintain this principled stance in addressing emerging nicotine products and related policy challenges. Through the CTC-Pak platform, public health advocates reaffirm their full support for the Ministry’s efforts to protect citizens—particularly children and youth—from the harms of nicotine addiction.
Recent reports suggesting the possible classification of nicotine products as “recreational items” have raised serious concern among civil society and health experts. Such a classification risks normalizing the use of a highly addictive substance and could significantly increase the accessibility and consumption of nicotine products, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Scientific evidence shows that nicotine is an addictive chemical associated with serious health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory complications, and negative impacts on brain development in young people. Early exposure to nicotine increases the likelihood of long-term dependency and can serve as a gateway to other tobacco products. In addition to the health consequences, nicotine addiction also imposes significant economic burdens on families and the national healthcare system.
CTC-Pak urges policymakers and relevant authorities to continue prioritizing evidence-based public health policies and to remain vigilant against tobacco industry interference. Protecting the health and well-being of citizens, especially the younger generation, must remain the central focus of Pakistan’s tobacco and nicotine control efforts.
