KARACHI: The Voices Against Tobacco (VAT) initiative of the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) organized a policy dialogue titled “Shaping Perceptions and Driving Policy” at local hotel of Karachi.

The event brought together public health professionals, civil society representatives, media practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the growing influence of the tobacco industry and identify opportunities for evidence-based interventions and collaborative policymaking.

The session commenced with opening remarks by Dr Saima Saeed, Director, Lung Health, IHHN, who underscored the urgent need to address tobacco use in Pakistan. “Tobacco continues to pose a significant threat to public health and socio-economic development. Collaborative, multi-sectoral action is essential to mitigate its impact,” he stated.

A key presentation was delivered by Dr Amina Khan, CEO, and the Initiative Pakistan, who shared findings from the Tobacco Awareness for Policy (TAP) Survey.

She highlighted concerning trends in tobacco and nicotine use among adolescents, with a particular rise in the use of emerging products among girls. “These findings provide critical evidence for media professionals and policymakers to understand youth behaviour and tailor interventions accordingly,” she noted.

Syed Safdar Raza, Aurat Foundation, emphasized the need for tobacco control to be treated as a national policy priority. He outlined the broader consequences of tobacco consumption, including its economic, environmental, and social implications. Raza cited challenges such as weak enforcement, low taxation, and unrestricted access among youth.

He called for comprehensive reforms, including increased taxation, enforcement of advertising bans, and expanding public education and cessation services.

Dr Khalil Ahmed, SPARC, remarked, stating the evolving strategies employed by the tobacco industry, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and the use of digital media influencers to promote new nicotine products. He highlighted the confusion these tactics create among the public and their effect on delaying legislative reforms.

During the Q&A session, moderated by Dr Saima Saeed, IHHN, participants stressed the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between journalists, researchers, and healthcare professionals.