Background
The Government of Pakistan signed the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) in May, 2004 and ratified it in the same year. FCTC is the first international treaty to provide a framework (and attendant obligations) for tobacco regulations. Under Article 5.2 of the FCTC, the Parties to the said treaty are mandated to put in place proper and effective national coordination mechanism for multi-sectoral coordination of tobacco control efforts.
In order to fulfill obligations under Article 5.2 of FCTC, Tobacco Control Cell was created in Ministry of Health (Defunct) on 1st July, 2007 under the Director General (Implementation), as a part of non-development budget supported by WHO and Bloomberg Initiative. After the devolution of Ministry of Health, Tobacco Control Cell (TCC) has been integrated in Non-Communicable Diseases Programs of Director General wing at Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C). TCC under the leadership of M/o NHSR&C is the focal agency for taking necessary measures relating to tobacco control. The aim of the cell is to provide a policy plan and strategic directions to reduce the demand and supply of tobacco products which will reduce the prevalence of tobacco use in Pakistan.
Bloomberg Initiative (BI) awards funds thru “Vital Strategies” in Pakistan for the projects delivering high-impact tobacco control interventions aiming to reduce tobacco control in Pakistan. Tobacco Control Cell, Ministry of NHSR&C secures grant from Bloomberg Foundation USA from 2008 until present to strengthen the existing tobacco control interventions. The BI extends project grant, considering the progress achieved by Pakistan in tobacco control activities.
TCC coordinates with relevant stakeholders, (Federal and Provincial level) including ministries of Finance (and FBR), Education, I&B and Law etc., judiciary, parliament, and the provinces, through consultations and adequate communications as required.
Achievements
Tobacco Control Cell has recently developed National Tobacco Control Strategy 2022-2030 with consultation of all Federal and provincial stakeholders. Important aspect of this strategic document is to assure sustainable funding mechanism for tobacco control in Pakistan. Through the implementation of priority interventions mentioned in the National Tobacco Control Framework, a voluntary global target of “a 30% relative reduction in the age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use in persons aged 15 years and over by 2030” will be achieved. The Significant aspect of this project will be that all governments’ policies and actions will conform to the requirements of Article 5.3 of the FCTC, and the subsequent guidelines, subject to national law.
The Cell coordinates with Provincial Governments to sustain tobacco control activities at subnational level. Resultantly, Provincial Tobacco Control Cell have been established in KP, Punjab and Sindh. Same commitment has been shown by Balochistan. Besides development of this historic document, following are some major achievements by TCC.
- Designation of Tobacco Control Focal Person in all 4 provinces
- Establishment of Tobacco control Cell in KP, Sindh and Punjab
- Establishment of Provincial Implementation Monitoring Committees
- Enhancement of 60% Pictorial Health Warning on Cigarettes and Outers
- Introduction of Mobile Application for reporting violations of tobacco
- Ban on selling of loose cigarette sticks
- Ban on tobacco advertisements in Print, Electronic and Outdoor Media (through billboard a poster or banner affixed outside a shop, kiosk, or mobile trolley etc.)
- Ban on manufacturing, importing and selling of cigarette packs having less than 20 cigarette sticks
- Ban on import of Sheesha (tobacco and non-tobacco) and related substances.
- Enhancement of Price and tax measures on cigarettes and outers
- Comprehensive Ban on Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS)
- Smoke free policies, cessation efforts and integration of tobacco control in other areas
Introduction and Implementation of Tobacco Vendor Act 1958
Stakeholders
Following are the partners to implement the interventions of the Cell:
- Provincial Health Departments
- World Health Organization
- Vital Strategies
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Ministry of Interior
- Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of Pakistan
- Ministry of Finance Division
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Narcotics & other relevant stakeholders
- Ministry of Industries & Production
- Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)
- Heart file
- Society for Alternative Media and Research
Other CSOs, Institutions working for Tobacco Control
Tobacco Smoke Free Capital
Objectives of “Strengthening Tobacco-Smoke Free Islamabad Initiative”
The aim of this intervention is to make Islamabad tobacco-smoke free. Following are the main objectives of “Strengthening Tobacco-Smoke Free Islamabad Initiative”-
- Establish a Coordination Unit for coordination with district departments to plan, implement and monitor Islamabad model city project
- Raise awareness among masses about “Islamabad Model City Project” through printing and dissemination of IEC materials, signage and conducting of seminars.
- Printing and Dissemination of IEC materials
- Awareness sessions / Seminars for Bazaar Unions, Hotel Associations, Education Managers and Hospital Management
- Awareness programs on ITP FM Radio.
- Signage at public places
- Ensure effective enforcement of Tobacco control laws, through training and support of law enforcement agencies.
- Refresher sessions on tobacco control laws for law enforcers / authorized persons.
- Development of enforcement plan
- Orientation Session with FBR
- Assess SHTS exposure (PM 2.5 monitoring) at public places at start and end of the project in collaboration with The Union.
- Monitoring of enforcement of tobacco control laws
- Generation of quarterly monitoring reports