Mr Zia Banday On 18th May 2004, Pakistan signed Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC), which was ratified by the government on 3rd November 2004. FCTC is first of its kind multilateral treaty initiated by World Health Organization (WHO), after years of evidence-backed advocacy. It is meant for comprehensive tobacco control regime on global level. […]
The Dark Reality of Child Labor in the Tobacco Industry
Ihtiram Khattak, Fatima Mahmood, Saba Amjad Introduction Child labour is defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and mental development. (ILO, 2012). One of the most alarming sectors is the tobacco industry, where child labor is still an unfortunate reality. Tobacco […]
The Many Faces of Modern Addiction
The tobacco industry uses different avenues to reach consumers, some of which are intentionally obfuscated to remove obvious affiliation with the industry. Faux grassroots organizations lobby against e-cigarette regulation, marketing campaigns masquerade as public health initiatives and high-profile sports sponsorships place tobacco product advertising before millions of fans. Learn about the ways the tobacco industry […]
Why the Industry Loves—and Protects—Tobacco Flavors
The dangers of flavored tobacco are clear: It’s appealing to young people, makes it easier to start using tobacco and harder to quit. In other words, tobacco flavors are one of the most effective tools the tobacco industry has to hook the next generation. That’s why the industry fights flavor bans or finds ways to work […]
Did Tobacco Companies Also Get Us Hooked On Junk Food? New Research Says Yes
The chemically addictive fatty, salty and sweet foods that make up 68% of the American food supply have historically been pushed to consumers by the nation’s leading tobacco sales companies, new research shows, suggesting the same companies responsible for what has been called a “smoking epidemic” could also be partially blamed for a decline in Americans’ health. […]
Tobacco Taxes Promote Equity: Evidence from Around the Globe
The tobacco industry is intent on keeping its products affordable to people with low incomes, who already face health and economic inequities. Research from around the world reveals that tobacco use makes these inequities worse: Data show that spending money on tobacco—and treating tobacco-related diseases—deepens existing income inequities and worsens financial strain. Increasing taxes on […]
FBR seizes cigarettes from a leading manufacturer for alleged tax violations
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken action against a well-known cigarette manufacturer, Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL), allegedly for violating tax regulations. The operation was triggered when it was discovered that the company had been allegedly distributing cigarettes below the minimum retail price, contravening tax laws. Under Pakistan’s stringent regulations to control […]
Smokers who start below age 20 find it difficult to quit, finds study
Researchers have urged governments to raise the legal age to buy cigarettes to 22 years or higher as a new study has found it becomes less addictive and easier to quit as people get older. The legal age to purchase tobacco is 18 years old in many countries but in some nations, there are no […]
How smoking harms the brain
We know that smoking is bad for our lungs and heart, but now we know that it harms the brain as well. As part of our Staying Sharp series, Dr Sherif Karama of McGill University, Canada, reveals the evidence. Lifestyle choices affect brain ageing People with good cognitive abilities (i.e. thinking skills) in old age tend to […]
More teens blowing away life in puffs of e-cigarettes, study warns
KARACHI: Despite having sufficient knowledge about the potential health risks associated with nicotine exposure, an increasing number of young people are getting hooked on e-cigarettes, smoking devices that are powered by a battery, says a study recently published in an online journal. Titled ‘Electronic Cigarettes and their Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Pakistani Population: A […]
