Islamabad : Key stakeholders including parliamentarians were brought together at the launch of a pioneering project aimed at empowering concerned mothers and advocating for increased taxation on tobacco products.

Hosted by the Aurat Foundation in collaboration with CTFK, this event brought together parliamentarians and policy makers, to address the urgent need for action against the detrimental effects of tobacco on families and communities across Pakistan.

Esteemed members of the National Assembly, including distinguished figures such as Shaista Pervaiz Malik, Huma Chughtai, Sehar Kamran, Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, Dr. Shaista Khan, Shahida Akhtar Ali and Naeema Kishwar Khan, highlighted the urgent requirement for a holistic approach to combat the pervasive issue of tobacco addiction in Pakistan. The presence of distinguished parliamentarians underscored the cross-party commitment to addressing the tobacco epidemic in Pakistan. Their participation highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in public health advocacy. It signalled a unified effort to enact evidence-based policies and legislation to protect the health of all citizens.

Adressing the event, Dr. Maheen Malik, Regional Director for South Asia, (CTFK), brought to the forefront the dire consequences of tobacco usage. Emphasizing the severe health risks linked with tobacco consumption, Dr Maheen stresses the immediate necessity for robust tobacco control strategies. Malik Imran Ahmed, Country Head, (CTFK), drew attention to the pervasive influence of the tobacco industry, likening it to a formidable mafia that prioritizes profits over public health. Their remarks underscore the critical importance of collective action to combat the harmful impact of tobacco and hold the industry accountable for its actions.

A group of concerned mothers hailing across the country also participated and narrated the ordeal of their children addicted to smoking and use of other tobacco products.

In endorsing the Aurat Foundation’s proposal to increase tobacco taxation, all prestigious parliamentarians and other key stakeholders echoed the AF’s call for evidence-based policies to reduce tobacco consumption and improve public health outcomes. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing tobacco control initiatives within the legislative framework, emphasizing the importance of political will and public support in driving meaningful change.