Facts: Tobacco is the second major cause of death in the world and the fourth most common risk factor for disease worldwide. It is the only consumer product that kills when used as intended by its manufacturers, killing up to 50% of its regular users. Tobacco use in Pakistan is common and one of the highest in the South East Asian Region. There are more than 22 million smokers in the country and 55% of the households have at least one individual who smokes tobacco. In Pakistan about 100,000 people die annually from diseases caused by use of tobacco. Tobacco consumption does not only occur in the form of cigarettes but also includes beedis (hand rolled cigarettes), Huqqa/ Shisha (water pipe) and chewing tobacco.

Government’s commitment to tobacco control is manifested through the creation of a separate Cell in the Ministry of Health (Defuct) on 1st July, 2007, as a part of non development budget. The rationale for the creation of the Cell stemmed from Pakistan’s international obligation. Pakistan is a signatory to FCTC, adopted by the World Health Assembly in May, 2003. Pakistan signed and ratified the FCTC on May, 18 2004 and November 03, 2004, respectively and is one of the 168 signatories of this widely embraced international treaty. Hence, implementing FCTC framework convention, protocols and covenants are legally binding on Pakistan.

Funcations of Tobacco Control Cell: The aim of Tobacco Control Cell is to enhance tobacco control efforts in Pakistan. Major functions of the Cell are as under:

• Taking forward the TCI with special reference to implementation / enforcement of FCTC provision and the Act.
• Forging partnerships with other National Health programmes within the Ministry of Health to mainstream tobacco related activities.
• Research on tobacco through TAG and Research Advisory Group.
• Regular conducting of awareness / advocacy workshops for both the general public and selected target audience on the magnitude of the tobacco epidemic and the urgent need for remedial action.
• Regular interaction with media, providing them with regularly updated scientific information on tobacco-related issues.
• Interacting with the tobacco industry as a stakeholder.
• Establishing inter-sectoral, inter-provincial, inter-district partnerships.
• Vital linkages with Private Sector, academia, NGOs.
• Dissemination of information on tobacco control, on National and International forums.
• Provision of technical support to other ministries on pertinent tobacco – related issues based on research and scientific studies.
• Provision of technical support and information on tobacco –related issues to legislators.
• Training workshops for health care professionals and other stakeholders.
• Technical support and trainings for local governments, Individuals and institutions, non-governmental and governmental organizations.
• Coordination of tobacco control initiative with donors and development partners
• Liaison with universities and research institutions in the development and conducting of tobacco related issues.
• Linkages poverty reduction strategies
• Preparation and issuance of technical guidelines to stakeholders i.e. technical guidelines for cessation.
• Fund generation for TCI.