ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) of the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) met at Parliament House on Wednesday to discuss measures aimed at strengthening tobacco control for the protection of children.
The meeting was chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Mr Danyal Chaudhary, MNA, who is also the Federal Coordinator of PCCR.
Mr Chaudhary stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to shield children from tobacco and emerging nicotine products, particularly vaping and nicotine pouches. He also underlined the need to raise awareness among children, parents and teachers.
Participants discussed a range of tobacco control measures, including stronger health warnings, regulation of the sale and display of tobacco products near educational institutions, higher tobacco taxation, steps to address tobacco smuggling and improved enforcement of existing regulations.
The meeting also highlighted the need for child-focused awareness campaigns and stronger public messaging on the health risks linked to tobacco use.
It was agreed that PCCR and SPARC would work together on awareness initiatives and parliamentary engagement. SPARC will share relevant awareness material and regional comparative analysis on graphical health warnings with Members of Parliament.
A dedicated briefing session for parliamentarians will also be arranged to improve understanding of tobacco control measures.
The participants further agreed to explore engagement with PEMRA for child-focused awareness content and to coordinate with relevant district authorities for effective implementation of tobacco control measures.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of PCCR and SPARC to strengthening tobacco control efforts and protecting children from tobacco and nicotine addiction.
