Islamabad (Izhaar Khan Niazi) – A meeting was held between the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights and the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child at the Parliament House, where discussions focused on enhancing measures against smoking and new nicotine products for child protection. The meeting was chaired by Daniel Chaudhry, the Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting and the federal coordinator of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights. The need for coordinated actions to protect children from tobacco and new nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, was emphasized. Daniel Chaudhry stated that it is essential to raise awareness among children, parents, and teachers regarding the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products. The meeting reviewed the need to strengthen health warnings on tobacco products, regulate the sale and display of tobacco products around educational institutions, increase taxes on tobacco, prevent tobacco smuggling, and ensure effective implementation of existing laws. Participants also stressed the importance of launching awareness campaigns centered on children and effective public messaging regarding the dangerous health effects of smoking. The meeting reached an agreement on cooperation between the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights and Spark for awareness and parliamentary coordination. Spark will also share a regional comparative review of relevant awareness materials and pictorial health warnings with parliament members. A special briefing session will be held to enhance parliament members’ awareness and capacity regarding tobacco control measures. Participants agreed to coordinate with PEMRA for the promotion of awareness materials for children and to increase cooperation with relevant district administration for effective implementation of tobacco control measures. The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights and Spark reaffirmed their commitment to protect children from tobacco and nicotine addiction and to further strengthen tobacco control measures.
