Concern over the rising use of e-cigarettes among youth, a ban on the advertisement of nicotine products and flavored varieties, emphasis on effective monitoring and strict penalties.
Islamabad (Izhhar Khan Niazi) – The Working Council of the Women Parliamentary Caucus has called for stricter legislation to control smoking and effectively monitor nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes, stating that effective measures are essential to protect children, youth, and women from the harmful effects of nicotine.
The ninth meeting of the Women Parliamentary Caucus Working Council was held at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Caucus Secretary Dr. Shahida Rahmani. The meeting included a briefing from the Women Foundation regarding legislation on tobacco control and electronic nicotine products. Participants included Caucus Treasurer Shahida Begum, Members of the National Assembly Farukh Khan, Naeema Kishore Khan, and Rana Ansar, along with health experts and representatives from civil society.
Professor Dr. Matiur Rahman, Dean of the Health Services Academy, provided a detailed briefing on the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products and the challenges faced in the effective implementation of tobacco control in Pakistan.
Participants expressed concern over the increasing use and advertisement of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products among youth, particularly minors. The meeting noted that nicotine is harmful to children, women, pregnant women, and individuals exposed to secondhand smoke, while various flavors, advertisements, and social media promotion can attract youth to use these products.
The Working Council emphasized the need to tighten regulations regarding proposed legislation on electronic nicotine products. The meeting discussed setting a nicotine limit of 20 milligrams per milliliter, increasing penalties for violations, banning flavored electronic nicotine products and their advertisements, effective monitoring, and strict enforcement of laws.
It was also emphasized to increase the scope of pictorial health warnings on cigarette and nicotine product packaging from 60% to 70-80%, and to ensure strict implementation of a smoke-free environment within a 50-meter radius of educational institutions.
The Women Parliamentary Caucus stressed the need to enhance the parliamentary role to make the proposed legislation effective. It was suggested that relevant parliamentary committees review the current regulations in collaboration with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and other relevant bodies and prepare necessary amendments.
The meeting also proposed bringing attention to notices regarding pictorial health warnings and forming a broad consultative forum comprising members of parliament, health experts, and civil society representatives to comprehensively consider the proposed law and amendments.
The Working Council urged continued cooperation among parliament, government institutions, health experts, and civil society, particularly the Women Foundation. The meeting stated that it is also essential to provide necessary information and awareness to members of parliamentary committees and parliament for legislation related to tobacco and new nicotine products.
The Women Parliamentary Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based legislation, effective parliamentary oversight, and strong measures for tobacco control, stating that awareness and educational campaigns should continue to protect the health and well-being of children, youth, and women.