Health experts call for strict regulations to curb rising youth addiction to tobacco and nicotine

KARACHI: Health advocates and policymakers have called for stringent regulations to curb the rising trend of tobacco and nicotine consumption among youth in Sindh. Speaking at a policy dialogue on tobacco control organized by Aurat Foundation, experts stressed the urgency of imposing heavy levies and strict enforcement of laws to protect public health.

They highlighted the alarming increase in tobacco and emerging nicotine product usage among young individuals, attributing it to loopholes in existing tobacco control laws and ineffective enforcement mechanisms. They urged the Sindh government to take decisive action, including legislative amendments and tax reforms, to counter this growing public health concern.

Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Women Development, Ms. Shaheena Sher Ali, reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating youth addiction. She emphasized that Sindh has recently implemented a comprehensive tobacco control policy and established a Provincial Tobacco Control Cell at the Directorate of Health Services.

Sukhdev Hemnani, spokesperson for the Sindh government, lauded Aurat Foundation’s efforts in raising awareness about tobacco hazards. He reaffirmed that the Sindh government will explore all avenues, including policy reforms and fiscal measures, to control tobacco and nicotine consumption.

Dr. Fouzia Khan, Chief Advisor to the Sindh Education and Literacy Department, stated that the department is actively enforcing the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002 in educational institutions. Similarly, Dr. Parvez Ahmed Shaikh, representative of the Directorate of Health Services Sindh, emphasized the need for further research on tobacco’s harmful effects to support evidence-based policymaking.

Sindh MPAs Marvi Rashdi, Qurat Ul Ain, Bilquis Mukhtar, and Kiran Masood voiced their full support for stricter regulations. MPA Maleeha Manzoor presented a resolution calling for a provincial excise tax on tobacco and nicotine products, with the generated revenue allocated for anti-tobacco campaigns and public healthcare improvements.

Dr. Saima Saeed, a consultant pulmonologist, elaborated on the severe health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine, citing cancer, respiratory diseases, and the dangers of passive smoking as major concerns.

Aurat Foundation’s Director of Programs, Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, highlighted how tobacco addiction indirectly affects women, as many suffer due to family members' smoking habits. The organization is spearheading efforts to involve women in tobacco control initiatives.

Additionally, Provincial Manager Malka Khan and Resident Director Muneezeh Khan called for strong public support to regulate tobacco and nicotine products effectively in Sindh.

With tobacco and nicotine addiction rising among youth, health advocates and policymakers in Sindh are pushing for urgent legislative action, higher taxes, and awareness campaigns. As momentum builds, it remains crucial for all stakeholders—including lawmakers, health professionals, and civil society organizations—to work together to safeguard youth from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine consumption.