Meeting with Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman, Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination

A meeting was held with Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to discuss the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Bill, which is currently pending before the Committee for deliberation.
Representing the Aurat Foundation (AF), Mr. Syed Safdar Raza and Ms. Qurat Ul Ain Hanif, Legal Officer, presented detailed technical and legal observations on the proposed legislation. They highlighted the significant public health risks associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems, emphasizing that nicotine is inherently harmful regardless of its potency, concentration or mode of delivery. The delegation underscored the need for robust regulatory measures to safeguard public health, particularly among children and young people who are increasingly targeted by the marketing of these products.
The AF representatives also informed the Chairman that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has expressed reservations regarding the ENDS Bill and has raised concerns about its potential implications for tobacco control and public health objectives in Pakistan.
Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti attentively considered the technical and legal arguments presented during the meeting and appreciated the evidence-based input provided by the delegation. He directed his staff to ensure that representatives of Aurat Foundation are invited to the next meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services when the ENDS Bill is placed on the Committee’s agenda, enabling them to present their expert perspective during the formal deliberations.