WPC Working Council Calls for Stronger Tobacco Control and Regulation of E-Cigarettes
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Aug, 2026) The 9th Meeting of the Working Council of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly of Pakistan was held on Tuesday at the WPC Secretariat, Parliament House, Islamabad, under the chairpersonship of Secretary WPC, Dr. Shahida Rehmani.
The meeting featured a briefing arranged by the Aurat Foundation and focused on tobacco control, particularly the regulation of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), e-cigarettes, and other emerging nicotine products. Held on 25 August 2026 at 10:00 a.m., the meeting was attended by:
- Treasurer WPC, Ms. Shahida Begum, MNA
- MNAs Ms. Farakh Khan, Ms. Naeema Kishwer Khan and Ms. Rana Ansar
- Health experts
- Representatives of civil society organizations
Professor Dr. Mati-ur-Rehman, Dean, Health Services Academy, delivered a detailed briefing on the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products and the challenges of effective tobacco-control implementation in Pakistan.
The Members of WPC expressed concern over the increasing use and promotion of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, especially among young people. The discussion highlighted:
- Harmful effects of nicotine on children, women, pregnant women, and passive smokers
- Concerns regarding flavoured e-cigarette products, advertising, and digital marketing that may encourage youth consumption
The Working Council reviewed the proposed ENDS legislation and emphasized the need for stronger regulatory provisions, including:
- Consideration of a 20 mg/ml nicotine concentration limit
- Enhanced penalties for violations
- Restrictions on flavoured e-cigarette products and their marketing
- Stronger monitoring and enforcement
Participants also called for:
- Increasing graphic health-warning coverage from 60% to 70–80%
- Ensuring strict implementation of a 50-metre smoke-free restriction around educational institutions
The Working Council called for greater parliamentary engagement to strengthen the proposed ENDS legislation. 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
- 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 in this regard.