Murtaza Solangi Calls for Comprehensive Ban on TAPS and Stronger Enforcement of Health Warnings
Key Takeaways
- Pakistani officials and SPARC called for a comprehensive ban on all forms of Tobacco Advertisement, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) based on the WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2025.
- Murtaza Solangi highlighted the urgency of the tobacco epidemic, noting that tobacco causes over 166,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.
- Concerns were raised about the increasing appeal of tobacco products to youth through indirect promotional strategies like attractive packaging and sponsorships.
- Advocates urged stronger enforcement of large, image-based Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) as a proven, life-saving intervention.
- The media, represented by Pakistan Observer, was urged to prioritize public health awareness and accountability over commercial interests in tobacco control.
The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a consultative session to review Pakistan's implementation of the WHO FCTC, focusing on the WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2025. Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President, emphasized that tobacco kills over 8 million people annually worldwide and stressed that Pakistan must intensify efforts by banning TAPS and enlarging Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) to curb its 166,000 annual tobacco-related deaths. Dr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema pointed out the growing concern of tobacco appealing to youth via attractive packaging and sponsorships, demanding robust legislation to close policy loopholes. Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar cited WHO findings showing that complete TAPS bans significantly reduce consumption, urging Pakistan to adopt a total ban on all direct and indirect promotion. He also underscored that strong, updated GHWs are proven life-saving interventions. Finally, Faisal Zahid Malik of Pakistan Observer affirmed the media's duty to prioritize public health over commercial profit by raising awareness and ensuring effective tobacco control implementation.
