PESHAWAR: The Provincial Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control urges the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government to take decisive action on tobacco control by passing the long-pending “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Bill” without further delay.
The prolonged inaction on this critical legislation is severely compromising public health and increasing the burden of tobacco-related diseases across the province.
Tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable deaths in Pakistan, contributing to a rising number of cases of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses. Delays in passing this bill not only allow the tobacco industry to continue its harmful influence but also undermine efforts to create a smoke-free environment for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan is a signatory to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and ratified the treaty in 2004, committing to strong legislative and policy measures to curb tobacco use. However, despite this international commitment, provincial-level implementation remains weak.
The alliance called upon the Health Department to enforce Article 5.3 of the FCTC in letter and spirit, which mandates that tobacco control policies must be protected from commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry continues to interfere in public health policies, undermining tobacco taxation, regulations, and awareness efforts.
“Youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are at high risk due to easy access to tobacco products, lack of strict enforcement, and growing industry tactics targeting young people,” said Usman Afridi, Youth Parliament Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The provincial government must take bold steps by passing the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Bill immediately to safeguard future generations.”
Legal experts also stress the urgent need for action. Aminullah Kundi, Advocate, highlighted the importance of aligning provincial legislation with Pakistan’s international commitments under the FCTC. He stated that the government has a legal and moral responsibility to prioritize public health over corporate interests.
Passing the tobacco control bill and enforcing FCTC Article 5.3 will not only fulfill Pakistan’s global obligations but also protect millions of citizens from the devastating impact of tobacco use. Any further delay will only cost more lives.
The Provincial Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control calls on the KP Government, Health Department, and policymakers to take immediate steps to strengthen tobacco control efforts. Passing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Bill without delay is critical to safeguarding public health. Strict enforcement of Article 5.3 of the FCTC must be ensured to prevent tobacco industry interference in policymaking.
Increasing public awareness about the dangers of smoking and ensuring stronger implementation of tobacco control laws are essential to reducing tobacco consumption and protecting future generations.
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