ISLAMABAD: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) Tuesday pressed for strengthening legislation about tobacco use, urging lawmakers to actively engage in fortifying the proposed regulations on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).
The Caucus emphasized a zero tolerance approach to regulatory loopholes and called for capping nicotine levels 20 milligrammes per millilitre, imposing heavy statutory penalties for violations and introducing sweeping bans on alternative flavours and marketing to establish an airtight enforcement mechanism.
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus of the National Assembly held its meeting in Parliament House.
Secretary WPC Dr. Shahida Rehmani presided over the meeting.
Participants also called for increasing graphic health-warning coverage from 60 percent to 70–80 percent and ensuring strict implementation of the 50-metre smoke-free restriction around educational institutions.
It was proposed that relevant parliamentary committees engage with DRAP and other concerned authorities to review the regulatory framework and develop appropriate amendments. The Council also supported parliamentary intervention, including a Calling Attention Notice on graphic health warnings, and proposed a broader forum involving parliamentarians, health experts and civil society to deliberate on the bill and proposed amendments.
The Working Council emphasized continued collaboration among Parliament, government institutions, health experts and civil society organizations, including the Aurat Foundation, to strengthen tobacco-control efforts.
The meeting also stressed the importance of equipping members of parliamentary committees and Parliament with the necessary information and knowledge to strengthen legislation on tobacco control and emerging nicotine products, alongside sustained awareness and educational campaigns targeting young people.
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based legislation, stronger parliamentary oversight and effective tobacco-control measures to protect public health, particularly the health and well-being of children, youth and women.
Professor Dr. Matiur Rehman, Dean, Health Services Academy briefed the participants on the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products and the challenges of effective tobacco-control implementation in Pakistan.
The members of the WPC expressed concern over the increasing use and promotion of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, particularly among young people.
The discussion highlighted the harmful effects of nicotine on children, women, pregnant women and passive smokers, as well as concerns regarding different flavours, advertising and digital marketing that may encourage youth consumption.
The meeting was attended by WPC members including MNAs Ms. Shahida Begum, Ms. Farakh Khan, Ms. Naeema Kishwer Khan and Ms. Rana Ansar, along with health experts and representatives of civil society organizations.
Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2026
