Local Communities Speak Up: Voices Against Tobacco’s Petition Garnered 10,000 Signatures to Ban Novel Tobacco and Nicotine Products in Pakistan

KARACHI – Voices Against Tobacco (VAT), an initiative of Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), hosted a seminar event focused on tobacco control in Pakistan. The seminar highlighted VAT’s youth and community advocacy efforts undertaken in Karachi, including the collection of 10,000 signatures in a petition about novel tobacco and nicotine products.

“Indus Hospital & Health Network is committed to highlighting the critical issue of tobacco control in Pakistan, especially in vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President of IHHN. “Through events and activities like this, we aim to inspire individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal health and to support those affected by tobacco-related conditions.”

Launched in April 2021, VAT is a tobacco control initiative dedicated to empowering youth and communities about tobacco, its hazards and how to advocate for improved tobacco control. The petition was propagated through communities within IHHN’s catchment areas and VAT school sessions.

IHHN’s Community Engagement Centre facilitated petitions by explaining the pros and cons of new novel tobacco and nicotine products before providing information about the petition with them. Indus Yaqeen, IHHN’s youth empowerment program, in collaboration with VAT also participated in securing signatures and spoke about their experience.

“Tobacco has woven itself into the fabric of our society, impacting our daily lives,” said Mr. Malik Imran, Head of Campaign, Tobacco Free Kids, who was present at the seminar event. “The active involvement of youth and community members in addressing tobacco use is extremely important,” he said.

Other initiatives showcased at the event included glimpses of the street theatre organized by VAT, engaging thousands in Korangi, Lyari, and Baba Island in February 2023. The seminar also included a discussion on the student-led community survey that VAT facilitated in collaboration with Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) in Karachi to gauge attitudes toward tobacco and build the capacity of students as advocates. It revealed that over half of the respondents had experimented with novel products.

The seminar brought together experts, advocates, and community members, contributing to a united front against tobacco use in Pakistan. Also in attendance were Tanvir Ali Qaimkhani, Provincial Coordinator, Tobacco Control, Sindh, Dr. Saima Saeed, Director, Lung Health Program, IHHN, Dr. Sohail Akhtar, Head of Pulmonology, IHHN and other senior management people. Through its remarkable initiative VAT, reaffirms its commitment to ongoing efforts for tobacco control and a healthier future for the nation.