Increase in size of graphic health warning on cigarette packs lauded

Islamabad
Tobacco control advocates and the civil society of Pakistan have praised Pakistan’s landmark decision of increasing the size of the graphic health warnings (GHW) on cigarette packs to 85%.
“The Coalition for Tobacco Control – Pakistan (CTC-Pak) appreciates this historic decision taken by the government to protect public health in Pakistan. We congratulate them for finally not only rotating the long overdue pictorial warning but also showing dedication to international commitments by Pakistan under FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control)”. Khurram Hashmi, the national coordinator of CTC-Pak and spokesperson for NCD Alliance-Pakistan (NCDA-Pak) said.
“We are happy that after repetitive calls and urges to the government for rotation of pictorial warnings, efforts made by tobacco control advocates and civil societies over the last few years have not gone in vain. We are proud that after so many years, when we delivered, we set a brilliant benchmark for the rest of the world,” Khurram said. “Considering Pakistan is one of the major producers of tobacco in the world, such a huge step deserves much praise. Now, Pakistan leads the Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO) by having the largest GHW and third in the Southeast Asian Region, and the world, behind India and Thailand,” he added.
GHW have a great impact on deterring smokers, particularly new ones, from the filthy habit. “ It took us four years to achieve this milestone and we should not stop here. The next logical step is regular rotation of these warnings and we hope that the government will assure this essential step as well,” Khurram said.
The national coordinator also showed interest in the suggestions of a tobacco hazard tax, “which could be one of the biggest steps till date in this country, if implemented. CTC-Pak and its members fully support the government and hope that the recently adopted seriousness in curbing the use of tobacco is pursued to its fullest,” the CTC chief concluded.