Legislators, health professionals, and civil society organizations have called upon the Government of Sindh to urgently implement comprehensive regulations for tobacco and emerging nicotine products. This demand was raised during a high-level policy dialogue organized by Aurat Foundation in Karachi, amid growing concern over the rising use of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and flavored tobacco products, especially among youth.

Participants of the dialogue noted that the increase in nicotine consumption among young people is exacerbated by policy loopholes and weak enforcement in existing tobacco control laws. 

Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ms. Farah Sohail, speaking at the event, highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue. “The Government of Sindh is fully aware of the challenges our youth are facing due to the menace of tobacco and emerging nicotine products,” she stated. She added that the province has recently adopted a comprehensive tobacco control policy, established a functional Provincial Tobacco Control Cell, and is actively enforcing the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance, 2002, particularly around educational institutions. 

She aptly remarked, “Nicotine thrills, but kills.”

MPA Farah Sohail pledged to use legislative, administrative, and social measures to regulate tobacco and emerging nicotine products in Sindh.

The MPA shared ongoing collaboration with Aurat Foundation to strengthen the Women Parliamentary Caucus and promised to work towards the imposition of taxes and levies on harmful nicotine products, in addition to introducing new legislation to regulate them.

Ms. Shamim Mumtaz, former Minister for Women Development, stressed the importance of coordinated action among parliamentarians, civil society, and government departments to effectively control tobacco use.

Ms. Mangla Sharma, former MPA, vowed support in controlling tobacco and emerging nicotine projects.

Dr. Kinza Zeeshan of Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) elaborated on the medical consequences of tobacco and nicotine use, such as cancer, respiratory illnesses, and risks posed by passive smoking. She highlighted that IHHN, in partnership with organizations like Aurat Foundation, Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, Human Development Foundation, Chromatic, and SEEDO, are actively engaged in tobacco control advocacy across the country.

Mr. Hakim Ali Unar, representing the Sindh Education and Literacy Department, reaffirmed the department’s zero-tolerance policy on tobacco use in and around schools. He stated that tobacco and nicotine products are strictly banned within 50 meters of educational institutions, both public and private.

Ms. Malka Khan, Provincial Manager at Aurat Foundation, underscored the organization’s 40-year-long legacy in advancing women’s rights and political representation, and reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to tobacco control advocacy.

The event concluded with a collective pledge by the participants to support stronger regulatory frameworks and collaborative action to protect the health of Sindh’s population from tobacco-related harm.