Peshawar - The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of National Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control (NASTC) has called upon the government to take urgent and comprehensive legislative action to introduce effective smoke-free and tobacco-control laws for all public spaces across the province.
The Alliance emphasizes that tobacco use remains a leading cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), creating a severe burden on public health, economic productivity, and the provincial healthcare system.
In a press statement issued here on Monday, the Alliance also called upon the KP Health Department to allocate a dedicated and sustainable budget line for tobacco control, in line with Pakistan's commitments under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the National Tobacco Control Strategy, the KP Tobacco Control Road Map, and the Provincial Plan of Action which collectively highlight the importance of resource allocation, government ownership, and coordinated action to reduce tobacco consumption and protect citizens from exposure to second-hand smoke.
The NASTC KP chapter stressed that meaningful progress in tobacco control required strong political will, policy ownership and firm implementation of laws.
Without decisive measures, the province will continue to face rising rates of NCDs such as heart disease, chronic respiratory illnesses, and various cancers, all of which are linked to tobacco use and exposure.
Public Health Advocate, Hafsa Zaib highlighted the critical role of the government, stating tobacco control cannot succeed without clear government ownership.
KP needs bold and well-funded legislative measures that truly protect the public. The lives and health of our communities depend on decisive action today, she insisted.
Supporting this call, Advocate Aminullah Khan Kundi noted the legal imperative for stronger tobacco control measures, stating: "The government has both a moral and legal responsibility to ensure smoke-free public spaces. Strong enforcement of tobacco control laws is essential for safeguarding fundamental rights, particularly the right to health. KP must act now to close legislative gaps and fulfil its commitments under national and international frameworks."
Recognizing that tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in the province, the National Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco Control KP Chapter calls on the provincial leadership to act swiftly and responsibly.
Strengthening legislation, ensuring smoke-free environments, and allocating dedicated funding are essential steps to protect the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
The Alliance reaffirms that bold, evidence-based policies are necessary to safeguard public health and promote a healthier future for the province.