ISLAMABAD : The 2023 Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index exposes strategies employed by the tobacco industry, such as the promotion of electronic products and concealing environmental harm. Across the globe, governments remain under the influence of formidable tobacco companies, impeding endeavors to curb tobacco consumption. Nevertheless, the index urges governments to prioritize transparency in their dealings with the tobacco industry, emphasizing that this approach can prevent manipulation of tobacco control policies and implementation processes in accordance with Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
This is the fourth civil society report assessing the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 in Pakistan. Its Pakistan chapter said the government’s regulation of HTPs through an SRO and Prime Minister office involvement in a TI-sponsored conference after initial denial has increased the score and decreased Pakistan’s position of ranking among countries as compared to previous years.
Amongst distinguished speakers were Mr. Sana Ullah Ghuman from (PANAH) , Mr. Khuram Hashmi, Senior Technical Advisor (Pakistan), Vital Strategies, Ms. Sania Ali Khan Focal Point – Pakistan STOP, A Global Tobacco industry Watchdog, Dr Wasim Janjua Advisor, SDPI, Mr. Shadman Aziz, Project Manager, Association for Better Pakistan (ABP), Islamabad and Mr. Mazhar Arif, Executive Director, Society for Alternative Media and Research (SAMAR), along with media and civil society organization.
The index emphasized that governments should mandate the tobacco industry to disclose information regarding production, manufacturing, market share, marketing expenditure, and revenues. It highlighted the insufficient transparency in facilitating dealings with the industry.
According to the index, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities are currently not prohibited and pose a challenge in Pakistan. These CSR activities, aimed at creating a positive corporate image, persist despite the significant harm they cause to public health. The index recommended a reassessment of the CSR activities conducted by the Tobacco Industry.
Moreover, Pakistan has declined its ranking to 32nd position among 90 countries which are assessed for tobacco industry interference. Last year, Pakistan was at 17th position among 80 countries. The index said that the tobacco industry’s interference in public policy continues to pose a major obstacle. In December 2022, TI made notable progress in regulating Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). Furthermore, the Prime Minister of Pakistan virtually addressed a TI-sponsored Conference in May 2021. On the other hand, the government of Pakistan has significantly increased the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes and the prices of cigarettes were also doubled after this move. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to uphold Article 5.3, there are still significant challenges in its implementation.
Dr Waseem Janjua presented the WHO FCTC shadow report. Pakistan has been a signatory to the FCTC since 2005. However the implementation leaves much to be desired. The report highlights the shortfalls in Arricles 5, 6, 11, 13 and 15 as well as MPOWER measures. The report recommends resisting tobacco industry influence and strict implementation of existing laws and regulations.” Zeeshan Danish project coordinator of the SAMAR said that in post NTCS scenario, it is a timely report and hoped that the government would implement its recommendations. “The tobacco industry is channelizing various marketing tactics while building a positive image of its new tobacco and nicotine products to trap the young generation. Tobacco Industry and its front groups are building a narrative by engaging various channels including social media. Adoption and implementation of sustained tobacco control measures are need of the hour to protect youth from the hazards of traditional and new tobacco products,” he said. He further seconded World Health Organization (WHO), officially launched campaign “Stop the Lies” as a vital initiative to protect people from the tobacco industry, its deadly products, and false propaganda.
