Protecting Young Generations: Murtaza Solangi Urges 85% Graphic Health Warnings and Comprehensive TAPS Ban Islamabad, September 16, 2026: The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a session titled \u201c Strengthening TAPS Regulations and increasing Graphic health warnings on Cigarette packs describing them as one of the most effective and cost-effective measures to reduce tobacco use among youth and to safeguard upcoming generations from the Harms of tobacco. Addressing the participants as Chief Guest, Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, said, tobacco continues to kill, and if we do not intensify our efforts particularly through bold actions like banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) and increasing the size of graphic health warnings (GHWs) we will continue to lose lives. He highlighted that globally, tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year and if we want to build a tobacco-free generation, we must strengthen tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) regulations and increase the coverage of graphic health warnings (GHWs) to at least 85%. These measures can help reduce the appeal and visibility of tobacco products, particularly among young people, and contribute to protecting the health and wellbeing of present and future generations.\u201dMember of the National Assembly, Huma Akhtar Chughtai, highlighted that youth are often exposed to indirect promotional strategies such as attractive packaging, event sponsorships, and online content that can make tobacco appear less harmful or even appealing. Pakistan has made notable progress in tobacco control, \u201cmuch more remains to be done. She stressed that despite existing regulations, forms of Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) remain visible and must be comprehensively addressed. She Appreciated SPARC\u2019s efforts and expressed her full support for strengthening TAPS regulations and expanding Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) to 85 % for better protect youth and future generations.Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, highlighted that promotional activities continue to influence consumer behavior in subtle ways despite current restrictions. He said that countries enforcing complete bans on all forms of TAPS have seen significant declines in tobacco consumption, particularly among children and youth. Dr. Khalil emphasized that while Pakistan has made progress in tobacco control, further action is needed to remove existing gaps and ensure consistent enforcement. \u201cThe time has come for a total ban on all direct and indirect promotional means,\u201d he said. He also underscored that strong, regularly updated graphic health warnings are proven, life-saving interventions that encourage smokers to quit and discourage initiation among non-smokers.Anees Sukhera, Country Representative, CTFK, highlighted that tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) continue to influence youth. He said that Pakistan can save their youth by strengthening tobacco control by closing gaps in TAPS regulations and enforcement and by strengthening Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) covering 85 %. \u201cStrengthening these measures can help create a safer and healthier environment for youth and contribute to a tobacco-free future for the present and upcoming generations,\u201d he said.Prof. Dr. Matiur Rahman, Dean of Allied Health Sciences, Lung diseases & Tobacco Control at the Health Sciences Academy, highlighted that, \u201cTobacco impacts not only the health of our citizens but also places a substantial burden on our healthcare system and economy. As we gather to acknowledge tobacco control measures, our shared responsibility is to foster a culture that prioritizes health, well-being, and the prosperity of our nation,\u201d he said.The session brought together key stakeholders, including Mr Sajjad Ahmed (DG Operations broadcast PEMRA), Dr Waqar (Director Prime Minister youth Program) , and Muhammad Aftab Ahmad (Tobacco Control Cell) and other decision makers, government officials, journalists, civil society members, academics, media professionals, and youth ambassadors. The discussion focused on implementing Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) covering 85 % and enforcing Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) regulations to protect current and future generation from tobacco related harms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Protecting Young Generations: Murtaza Solangi Urges 85% Graphic Health Warnings and Comprehensive TAPS Ban Islamabad, September 16, 2026:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3667,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3666","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-newsbeat","category-public"],"yoast_head":"\n