Meeting with MNA Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Secretary, Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC)

A productive meeting was held with MNA Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Secretary of the Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), to discuss ongoing tobacco control initiatives and opportunities for strengthening parliamentary engagement on tobacco prevention and control in Pakistan.
The discussion focused on the growing health, social and economic burden of tobacco use, particularly its impact on women, children, and young people. The importance of evidence-based policymaking, stronger implementation of existing tobacco control laws, enhanced taxation measures, and greater awareness among parliamentarians and the public was highlighted. The role of women legislators in advocating for stronger tobacco control policies and protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco was also emphasized.
Dr. Shahida Rehmani appreciated the continued efforts being undertaken by civil society organizations to support tobacco control advocacy and reaffirmed the Women Parliamentary Caucus’ commitment to advancing this important public health agenda. She informed that the Women Parliamentary Caucus will convene a meeting of all WPC members in August 2026 to deliberate on tobacco control in greater detail. The meeting will provide an opportunity for women parliamentarians to review the current tobacco control landscape, discuss existing policy and legislative gaps and identify practical recommendations for strengthening tobacco control measures through the National Assembly forum.
The meeting is expected to facilitate coordinated parliamentary action, encourage cross-party collaboration among women legislators and contribute to the development of stronger legislative and policy responses aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and protecting public health across Pakistan.