Islamabad, August 13, 2026: The Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), National Assembly of Pakistan, held a meeting with the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) at Parliament House to discuss strengthened tobacco control measures aimed at protecting youth from tobacco and emerging nicotine products, including vaping and nicotine pouches. The meeting was chaired by Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, President, Young Parliamentarians Forum, and co-chaired by Nawabzada Mir Jamal Khan Raisani, General Secretary YPF, Young Parliamentarians Forum.

Participants examined the need for coordinated efforts to shield young people from tobacco and nicotine addiction, with particular focus on awareness among students, parents, and teachers. Discussions centred on strengthening health warnings, regulating the sale and display of tobacco products around educational institutions, increasing tobacco taxation, addressing tobacco smuggling, and improving enforcement of existing regulations.  

Emphasis was placed on child- and youth-focused awareness campaigns and stronger public messaging on the health risks associated with tobacco use.

 

It was agreed that the Young Parliamentarians Forum and SPARC would collaborate on awareness and parliamentary engagement initiatives. SPARC will share relevant awareness materials and regional comparative analysis on graphical health warnings with Members of Parliament. A dedicated briefing session for parliamentarians will also be organized to enhance understanding of tobacco control measures.  

 

Participants further agreed to explore engagement with PEMRA for youth-focused awareness content and to coordinate with relevant district authorities for effective implementation of tobacco control measures.

 

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Young Parliamentarians Forum and SPARC to strengthening tobacco control efforts and protecting Pakistan’s youth from tobacco and nicotine addiction.