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TheNetwork-Bloomberg Grant Initiative (BGI)
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Advocacy and Stakeholder Awareness Building for Packaging Reforms to Reduce Demand for
Cigarettes in Pakistan
About the Project:
The Network’s project “Policy Advocacy and Stakeholders Awareness Building for Packaging Reforms to Reduce Demand
for Cigarettes in Pakistan” is funded by the Bloomberg Grant Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use, which is a global
program to reduce tobacco use in low- and middle-income countries. The program is managed by the International
Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
This project seeks to reduce the demand for cigarettes in Pakistan by introducing packaging reforms (mainly
pictorial warnings) through amendments in the existing national tobacco control legislation in line with Article
11 and paragraph 2 of Article 16 of the FCTC. The proposed reforms would highlight the health hazards of smoking
and eliminate access to cigarettes in cheap packaging; this is necessary since half the population is illiterate
and cigarette smoking, estimated conservatively at 33% among men and 6.4% among women and is heavier among the
poor and illiterate.
Aims & Objectives of the Project:
The project is aimed at achieving two objectives during the next two years of its implementation.
- Amendments in the existing ordinance with regard to packaging reforms
confirming to FCTC provisions drafted and agreed with the Ministry of Health
leading to approval for a summary to be sent to Ministry of Law by end project.
- To develop and implement a strategic advocacy campaign to engage stakeholders
in creating a demand for the packaging reforms at national level.
Partners:
TheNetwork’s project partners include:
National Tobacco Control Program Ministry of Health: The Ministry managed to promulgate the Ordinance on Tobacco and Government
ratified FCTC in 2004. It will take the lead with facilitation from this project for proposed packaging
reforms.
World Health Organization (WHO): WHO will provide its support in bringing in FCTC experience
and lobbying in the government circles.
Health Policy Forum/Heartfile: Most of the development partners, health sector agencies in the
government and civil society are members of the Health Policy Forum. The forum will bring expertise of its strong
linkage with all stakeholders.
Pakistan Medical Association: Found in 1948 it’s the biggest organization of the medical
community in Pakistan. It will bring clinical expertise for this project.
Coalition for Tobacco Control (Society for Alternative Media):
It is a member of 18 civil society organizations. It will mobilize these organizations and other members of
civil society for the reforms.
Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Program, Pakistan: The center has expertise in
communication. It will develop media strategy for the project and support in capacity building in this
regard.
For further inquiries:
Mr. Waheed Iqbal Advocate
Assistant Project Coordinator - BGI Tobacco Control Project
+92-51-2261085
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Sample pictorial warnings
on 50% of cigarette packs
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