Aurat Foundation (AF) in collaboration with Women Learning Partnership (WLP) organized a three-day training of trainers with the focus on young women, students, entrepreneurs, journalists, health facilitators, climate activists, academia, teachers, lecturers, lawyers and women activists working as line managers representing all leading women rights organizations based in Islamabad. WLP and AF enjoy a longstanding partnership for the empowerment of women. They join hands to build the capacity of leading advocacy organizations and networks across Pakistan. The capacity-building trainings have trained several women's rights defenders and imparted advocacy and lobbying skills in community-based networks. This was held ToT by Aurat Foundation and WLP, held in Aurat Foundation office, Islamabad, from June 25, 2025, to June 27, 2025.

The participants were invited through a thorough process, for which letters were sent to the organization heads, including a concept note of the training, which laid out its goals and a brief review of its broader impact. Along with the invitation, a letter of commitment was also sent, which highlighted that the participants will carry out the activities at the grassroots level to achieve the long-term impact of the training program.

The group consisted of 20 participants, including 19 female participants and 1 male participant. Before the training total of 3 women leaders in the second tier from Afghanistan had committed to participating in the training. However, 2 of them withdrew at the 11th hour and only made it to Islamabad and participated in the training.

The training consisted of sessions on various topics, including Leadership, Democratic Culture, Harassment in the Workplace, Communication, Negotiation, and Climate Justice and others. The participants showed keen interest and actively engaged in group work and presentations throughout all sessions.

Naeem A. Mirza, the Executive Director of the Aurat Foundation, led a significant session titled "The Economy of Marriage." He elaborated on the burdensome nature of lavish marriage functions and the detrimental customs that are becoming prevalent in our society. Many parents feel overwhelmed by these traditions, which should be abandoned by the younger generation in Pakistan.

This training brought young activists together on a single platform to share their professional and personal experiences. They reflected on their insights regarding climate change and its impact on the people of Pakistan, discussing international commitments and COP agreements related to climate justice at a broader level. Participants raised concerns about the lack of policy implementation and the seriousness of these issues.

Ms. Maqsooda shared the success stories of previous trainees from the WLP and AF programs, highlighting how many of them are now leading various campaigns, organizations, and playing significant decision-making roles at both national and international levels. Additionally, she conducted a session on 200 years of women’s history, exploring their evaluative journey over the past 200 years and assessing women’s progress across all fields of life worldwide.

Training facilitators, Ms. Rabeea Hadi and Ms. Myra Imran, distributed certificates to the participants. Following the award ceremony, final evaluations were collected from the participants, and Rabeea Hadi expressed her gratitude with a closing message. She reminded them of their commitment to disseminate knowledge at the grassroots level and encouraged them to build on their learning by conducting additional training sessions, as proposed in their projects.

A Training session on "Women as Architect of Peace, Power and Progress" was conducted at Koh I Noor Textile Mills, Rawalpindi. Women took keen interest in training, want to know about Labour Laws, Women Rights and Civil Registration.

A Training session on "Industrial Work & Decision Making" was conducted at Crescent Textile Mills, Faisalabad. Women took keen interest in training, want to know about Labour Laws, Women Rights and Civil Registration. Few activities was also conducted with Apparel Women Workers.

A high-level policy dialogue on tobacco control held in Islamabad. In policy dialogues, Public health experts, parliamentarians, and civil society leaders have called for urgent and substantial increases in tobacco taxation and stricter enforcement of tobacco control laws to address the alarming rise in nicotine consumption, especially among Pakistan’s youth..

 

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.

 

A delegation of Aurat Foundation called on Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination at his office today and demanded tax increase on tobacco and nicotine products in the upcoming budget.

Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Director Program of Aurat Foundation said that Pakistan currently ranks 54^th among 84 countries for tobacco smoking prevalence. Alarmingly, tobacco advertising disproportionately targets youth, particularly young girls, adversely affecting their health, education, and future prospects. According to recent statistics, approximately 31.9 million adults aged 15 and above—19.7% of the adult population—are current tobacco users.

Mr. Safdar Raza, Team Leader explained that a recent study conducted by a reputable organization highlights the following key findings:

·         31.6 million adults (aged 15 and above), or 19.9% of the adult population, currently use tobacco, including 17.3 million smokers.

·         Tobacco use is linked to more than 160,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.

·         The total estimated economic cost of smoking-related diseases and deaths amounts to 1.6% of Pakistan’s GDP each year.

·         Without an increase in tobacco taxes, more than 490,000 individuals are projected to start smoking in Pakistan by 2025-26.

Furthermore, Mr. Raza continued that the study reveals that cigarettes have become increasingly affordable due to the freeze on tobacco tax rates since February 2023. To address this, an excise tax increase of Rs. 39 per pack could lead to significant positive outcomes, including:

·         A reduction of 263,000 smokers.

·         A 6.9% decrease in cigarette consumption.

·         Additional government revenue of Rs. 67.4 billion.

“In view of the above, substantial tax Increase on tobacco and nicotine products would not only serve as a strong deterrent to tobacco use but also significantly contribute to improving public health outcomes and strengthening national fiscal revenues”, Ms. Mumtaz Mughal concluded.

A policy Dialogue was held in Karachi about ‘Tobacco and emerging nicotine products’. Provincial Minister for Women Development Department Government of Sindh, Ms. Shaheena Sher Ali was the chief guest. MPA Maleeha Manzoor had presented a resolution in the event.

Sindh Govt Spokes Person Sukhdev Hemnani, MPA’s Syed Shariq Jamal, Qurat ul Ain, ShamimMumtaz (EX MPA) and civil society members were part of the event.  

On the occasion of National Women's Day 12th February and the birth anniversary of our beloved Shahla Zia, the Aurat Foundation organized a webinar titled "Milestone of the Struggle for Women's Rights in Pakistan. " The webinar was hosted by Ms. Mumtaz Mughal (Director Programs AF). The session featured renowned human rights activist, feminist, social scientist, and advocate for gender equality, Ms. Tahira Abdullah.

Attendees included individuals from academia, media, law, education, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, minority rights activists, students, feminists, and women leaders in the community and political spheres. The session explored the extensive history of women's struggles both nationally and internationally.

Ms. Tahira highlighted the historical background, she added that on February 12, 1983, under the oppressive conditions of Section 144, a courageous group of women took a bold stand against an unjust ban on public assembly. With conviction in their hearts, they marched peacefully toward the Lahore High Court to voice their protest against the discriminatory Law of Evidence. Leading this historic demonstration was the Women Action Forum (WAF), a vibrant coalition of activists dedicated to fighting for women's rights.

This momentous event marked a significant turning point in Pakistan's history, as it was the first organized public demonstration against the repressive practices of the Ziaul Haq military regime. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and determination, as these women defied societal norms to demand justice.

However, their bravery was met with unprecedented hostility. For the first time, authorities unleashed tear gas and wielded batons against women, causing injuries to many peaceful protestors. In a shocking display of force, nearly 50 participants were arrested, highlighting the severe repression faced by those who dared to speak out against injustice. This protest not only symbolized a fight for rights but also ignited a spirit of resistance that would inspire future generations. She discussed various recommendations regarding political reforms, the inclusion of women in peace dialogues at international treaties, environmental issues, climate change, and the political representation of women.