Pakistan seeks help to understand its FCTC obligations

Islamabad

Pakistan has invited the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to assist the implementation of a needs assessment concerning Pakistan’s obligations under the treaty. The Convention Secretariat, on the other hand, has stressed the need for the country to integrate FCTC implementation with other government sectors.

Demands and expectations pertaining to the fulfilment of Pakistan’s obligations under the FCTC, which the country ratified back in 2004, were tabled during a meeting here Tuesday between the Minister of State and Secretary Health Saira Afzal and Ayub Sheikh, respectively, and the WHO FCTC Needs Assessment Mission.

As usual, Pakistan assured the Mission of its long-stated intention of zero tolerance against any hurdle in way of the fulfilment of its FCTC obligations. The mission was told that legislative, administrative and coordination measures are being taken for implementation of FCTC provisions.

“Pakistan has increased taxes on cigarette packs; tobacco control issues are being discussed in the Parliament; and mass media campaigns have been launched to warn masses about hazards of tobacco use. Although the Ministry is facing many challenges, every step will be taken to save the lives of people by curbing tobacco use,” Saira briefed the Mission, urging its members to guide the Ministry in bridging the gaps in implementation of the Convention in order to achieve the SDG3.a, which calls for strengthening the implementation of FCTC.

Secretary Health stressed the need to have local data on tobacco control issues and requested the Secretariat to help the Ministry in this connection. Dr. Tibor Szilagyi, representing the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC and Head of the Mission assured that the Convention will provide support in bridging up the gaps in implementation of the FCTC. He also stressed on the need of integration of FCTC implementation with other government sectors.

The next steps include development of specific assistance programmes, including technical and other assistance for the needs and priorities identified, to be supported through the provision of catalytic funding.

Tobacco use is single largest preventable cause of death in the world. In Pakistan, tobacco is a cause of death of around 108,800 persons every year. This is 298 deaths per day. Implementation of FCTC provisions is catalyst for curbing tobacco epidemic.