Health activists urge govt to impose ban on cigarette.

ISLAMABAD -- Health activists have urged government to impose ban on innovative products such as nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices in order to save Pakistan's future.

This demand was raised at the launch ceremony of 'Big Tobacco - Tiny Targets' - a survey conducted by Society for Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) in collaboration with Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) to examine the sale and advertising trends of innovative tobacco products in 9 cities of Pakistan.

The survey revealed that all points of sale were selling innovative tobacco products around points of interest for youth. These products, mainly nicotine pouches, are displayed at visible eye level for children and placed beside candies, sweets and toys to appeal children and youth. Vendors also utilize sales techniques such as discounted products, free samples, gifts and competition entries to attract the customers.

Chief Guest, Mahesh Kumar Malani, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on, Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Government of Pakistan, said that Pakistan's children are national assets. The basic dangers of tobacco are known to everyone but this research is a great effort because as it explores the harms of advertising as well. In future, this will help us in minimizing the harms of tobacco. The government is committed to the protection and well-being of Pakistani children and work with all stakeholders to ensure that anti-child decisions will not be implemented in the country.

Guest of Honour Dr. Shazia Sobia Soomro, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination mentioned that, this research is an eye opener for everyone that Pakistan's children are bombarded with marketing and easy accessibility of addictive nicotine products around their educational and recreational facilities. This research will help us in coming up with...