SPARC holds sensitisation session on tobacco control

• The event was part of the organisation’s campaign `Let`s Make Karachi Smoke Free`.
• Alliance for Tobacco Control (AT4C), the first civil society coalition in Sindh on anti-tobacco has been established.

The sensitisation session on tobacco control was organized by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (Sparc). The event was part of the organisation’s campaign `Let`s Make Karachi Smoke Free`.

Talking to media on the occasion of Universal Children’s Day, Project Manager Kashif said tobacco smoking is not an issue restricted to adults anymore. It has become a serious child rights issue so much so that approximately 1200 children start smoking every day in Pakistan. He said that tobacco consumption can’t be reduced just by imposing bans alone. Without engaging different tiers and department of government, this issue can’t be resolved.

SPARC took up this challenge and lobbied with Chief Minister Office, Chief Secretary Office, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and District Administration. As a result, KMC and several government departments have appointed focal persons from to undertake this issue in their respective domains. Furthermore, Tobacco Control Cell in District South has been reactivated and Monitoring and Implementation Committee has been established in District South.

Implementing its philosophy of partnership, SPARC reached out to other non-profit organisations to urge them to play their due role. As a result, Alliance for Tobacco Control (AT4C), the first civil society coalition in Sindh on anti-tobacco has been established.

Alongside collaborations with government and non-government organisations, SPARC has also sensitized academia, media, restaurants, hospitals, bus drivers and conductors, and vendors about the harms of tobacco smoking at public places and facilitating children in smoking.

Sidra Imran Member Provincial Assembly Sindh said smoking habits of youngsters; growing habits of smoking in younger is the initial step to get attracted for drugs. He highlighted the crucial role of anti-smoking campaign reducing the health risks in schools and colleges.

Prof. Dr. Farah Iqbal, the Chairperson of Psychology Department at the University of Karachi, said that cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals – over 50 of which are known to be toxic in nature. Carbon monoxide also found in car exhaust fumes, butane found in lighter fluid, and arsenic, ammonia, and methanol found in rocket fuel, for example.

Field Manager Haris Jadoon said the passive smoking is deemed equally dangerous for youth and minors. Worldwide, it is estimated 40 percent children up to the age of 14 are exposed to passive smoking, which cause 600,000 deaths across the globe.

General Secretary Karachi Press Club, Mr. Arman Sabir said that media is a tool of change and in recent past it had played a strong role in bringing positive change in the society.

Shumaila Waheed Child Rights Activist said tobacco companies are targeting the markets of minors and women to expand their future markets by expanding business.