NEWS DESK
ISLAMABAD: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a youth-led initiative titled “Youth Against Tobacco – Our Future, Our Fight” on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the National Press Club, Islamabad.
The initiative brought together young voices from the Youth Advocates Against Tobacco (YAAT) Club, who led a powerful campaign against tobacco use. During the press conference, youth representatives directly engaged with the media, highlighting critical facts: over 160,000 people in Pakistan die annually from tobacco-related illnesses, more than 1,200 children start smoking each day, and tobacco use places an overwhelming economic burden of Rs 615 billion on the national healthcare system. This cost significantly outweighs tobacco tax revenue.
During the press conference, Ahsan Amin, a youth advocate, shared a powerful message on the broader implications of tobacco use: “Tobacco consumption is the biggest threat to Pakistani youth. It is not only harming our health but also stealing our future by increasing disease, addiction, and poverty. We need immediate action to protect the next generation.”
Shafia Asad, another YAAT member, emphasized the need for stronger fiscal policies to control tobacco use. He stated, “Raising taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption. Higher prices make tobacco less affordable, especially for youth, and discourage initiation.” He further urged the government to implement significant tax increases in the upcoming fiscal year and use the revenue to fund health and education programs.
Mohammad Hadi, delivered a powerful speech exposing the manipulative tactics used by the tobacco industry: “The tobacco industry is targeting youth with attractive packaging, flavored products, and misleading marketing. These tactics are designed to hook a new generation of users. We must raise awareness and push back against these deceptive strategies before more lives are lost.”
Yahya Shamshad highlighted the broader societal and economic benefits of investing in youth empowerment:
“Empowering young people with knowledge and leadership opportunities is key to building a healthier generation and a thriving economy. When youth take ownership of public health issues like tobacco control, it creates lasting change not only in behavior, but in national development.”
As a symbolic and motivational act, youth advocates took an oath to stand united in the fight against tobacco and nicotine products. By taking the “Pledge Against Tobacco & Nicotine Products,” these young leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a smoke-free future and encouraging their peers to make healthier, informed choices.
Following the press conference, youth representatives joined civil society leaders in an Awareness Walk, holding banners and placards with powerful messages like “Say No to Tobacco,” “Protect Our Future,” Save health, Save economy and “Tobacco Kills – Act Now!” The walk aimed to visually amplify the campaign’s message and draw public and media attention to the critical need for tobacco control in Pakistan.
