Muhammad irshad ullah
Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where high consumption rates are contributing to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases. With approximately 164,000 people dying annually from tobacco-related diseases in Pakistan, and 33,000 lives lost due to passive smoking, there is a clear need for immediate and coordinated action to address this crisis. While KP has made strides by notifying divisional-level committees under the District Implementation and Monitoring Committees (DI&MCs), the lack of effective implementation continues to hinder progress.
The notification establishing Divisional Committees is a significant step forward. These committees are composed of key representatives from the Health Department, Police, District Administration, Excise and Taxation, Education, and Civil Society, tasked with monitoring the implementation of tobacco control laws, supporting enforcement, and creating awareness. These structures, if fully functional and well-coordinated, can serve as the backbone of effective tobacco control across the province. However, their current limited activity reflects underutilization of a mechanism that could otherwise lead to substantial impact.
Pakistan is a signatory to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which calls for comprehensive measures including protection from exposure to tobacco smoke (Article 8), packaging and labeling (Article 11), and protection of public health policies from tobacco industry interference (Article 5.3). Yet, the implementation of these provisions remains inconsistent and weak across many districts in KP. This weak enforcement not only undermines the intent of existing laws such as the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 but also exacerbates the public health burden.
There is an urgent need to prioritize the operationalization of the notified committees. Doing so requires clarity of roles, regular meetings, dedicated budgets, and a performance-based accountability system. Each department must treat tobacco control as a cross-cutting issue that affects health, education, law enforcement, and taxation. Greater synergy between the Divisional Committees and local district administrations can ensure consistent policy enforcement, crackdown on illicit tobacco trade, and reduce youth access to tobacco products.
Moreover, collaboration with civil society organizations is essential. Civil society has been instrumental in advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and monitoring industry interference. Their presence in these committees is vital for transparency and public trust. A coordinated platform where civil society and government stakeholders share data, report violations, and develop joint action plans can multiply the impact of tobacco control initiatives.
Poor implementation of tobacco control laws continues to fuel a silent public health emergency. Children and youth remain exposed to smoking in public places, tobacco advertisements are still visible in retail settings, and harmful products like naswar and e-cigarettes are easily accessible. Without urgent reforms and functional enforcement mechanisms, the provincial government risks undermining its own health agenda.
The provincial government must not only notify structures but also invest in their functionality. Effective use of the existing divisional and district-level committees, in alignment with FCTC obligations, is the path forward. Tobacco control is not just a health issue; it is a governance issue, demanding political will, interdepartmental coordination, and inclusive stakeholder engagement to protect the health and well-being of every citizen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
