Tobacco.org

Countrywide advocacy for introduction of pictorial health warnings on the cards 

Out to introduce packaging reforms through amendments in the existing tobacco control legislation, TheNetwork for Consumer Protection has embarked on a countrywide advocacy and awareness campaign for introduction of rotating pictorial warnings on 50 per cent of the cigarette pack; a statement on the pack about product constituents and emissions; and prohibition of sale of smaller packs and in loose packing.

Announcing the decision at a press conference here Friday, TheNetwork said a series of countrywide activities will be organised in a bid to influence policy makers in the Ministry of Health to amend the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers' Health Ordinance 2002 and The Cigarettes (Printing of Warning) (Amendment) Ordinance 2002 . . . Due to legislation against smoking in USA and Europe, the tobacco companies have diverted their marketing campaign towards developing countries including Pakistan. The result is that tobacco use is declining at the rate of 1.5% in the West but at the same time it is increasing at the rate of more than 1.7% in the developing countries. Some 57 tobacco manufacturers are currently operating in Pakistan.

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