IHHN Champions Tobacco Control Through National Dialogue on Youth Protection and Policy Reform

The Voices Against Tobacco (VAT) initiative of Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) organized a national forum at Hotel Avari Towers, Karachi, bringing together educators, public health experts, policymakers, civil society, and media professionals to address the growing threat of tobacco use, particularly among youth.

The first session focused on creating 100% tobacco and nicotine-free educational institutions. Dr. Syed Zafar Zaidi, CEO IHHN, opened the session by emphasizing the urgent need for early prevention. Dr. Saima Saeed, Director, Lung Health, IHHN, stressed the importance of enforcement around campuses and highlighted recent policy progress. International perspectives were shared by Mr. Shariful Islam (Ahsania Dhaka Mission, Bangladesh) and Dr. Cristina Isar (FRESHAIR4Life study, Romania), while local efforts were spotlighted by Ms. Sabina Khatri, CEO Kiran Foundation. Dr. Fauzia Khan, Technical Advisor, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Sindh, expressed strong institutional support for campus-based reforms.

The second session focused on the tobacco industry’s growing influence and the importance of shaping public perception through evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Amina Khan, CEO of The Initiative Pakistan, presented findings from the Tobacco Awareness for Policy Survey, revealing a rise in use of emerging products among youth, especially girls. Mr. Syed Safdar Raza from Aurat Foundation called for tobacco control to become a national policy priority. Dr. Khalil Ahmed of SPARC warned about misleading industry tactics, while senior journalist Mr. Waqar Bhatti emphasized the media’s role in countering misinformation and promoting health-centered reporting.

The forum concluded with a call for multi-sector collaboration to protect youth and strengthen tobacco control efforts. Dr. Saima Saeed closed the sessions by stating, “Tobacco control must be rooted in evidence, supported by policy, and driven by collective action