CTC-Pak Press Release
Tobacco
industry's violation of tobacco control laws
(05 Sep 2008)

Islamabad - Tobacco industry continues to violate tobacco control laws by finding loopholes in the existing tobacco control ordinance and taking advantage of lack of proper implementation. The industry keeps on challenging the government’s drive for effective tobacco control in the country by occupying more space in media and resorting to other tactics with the passage of time. 

In a letter written to Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, Coalition of Tobacco Control in Pakistan (CTC-Pak) urged upon the Implementation Cell of Ministry of Health to take appropriate measures to check the violations of the law by tobacco industry. “The industry is persistent to cater its unethical marketing tactics promoting its products and attract the society, especially youth, to secure its multi billion investments. Such violations need to be monitored and redressed.” said Khurram Hashmi, Coordinator of Coalition For Tobacco Control – Pakistan.

Tobacco products advertisements have started to re-appear in print media in larger size than the one specified by the government promoting a re-launching of a popular brands with ‘new blend’ or ‘fresh scent’ while also promising handsome rewards by offering attractive benefits to the consumers.

Similarly, promotional stalls can be found at various shopping areas of the capital promoting a popular brand in a new exclusive package with gifts at no additional cost. This only gains attention of old smokers but also attracts new ones, mostly youth, who find it irresistibly glamorous. These stalls are normally found near a populated restaurant or, interestingly, a famous pharmacy outlet.

Recently, the tobacco industry also approached a group of media journalists and took them to a mountain resort for a one day workshop organized on a theme of responsible journalism. Apparently, the industry feels its obligation towards the people and the society enough to sensitize the journalists about the impact or irresponsible reporting in various mediums of the media.

The Coalition For Tobacco Control ensured its support to Implementation Cell in effective implementation of the tobacco control ordinance.

 

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