ISLAMABAD -UNS: Human Development Foundation (HDF) organized a community led rally against the use of tobacco products and advocated for declaration of smoke free spaces in public spaces. The rally took place in community spaces in rural ICT, in Union Council Charah, in collaboration with Kalyah Welfare Trust & village Development Organization kalyah.
The rally was led by youth, community members, and civil society who showcased posters promoting smoke-free areas for children through posters and placards. The event focused on raising awareness in younger generations about the harmful effects of tobacco products and misleading figures about heated tobacco products, such as vapes and tobacco pouches. The event cautioned minors against the use and purchase of all tobacco products. The event brought together students, community leaders, education professionals, and others from across ICT. According to WHO, around 19 percent of adults aged fifteen and above currently use tobacco in any form. Tobacco kills over 163,600 people each year in Pakistan. Almost 31,000 of these deaths are due to exposure to secondhand smoke. Human Development Foundation has been actively advocating against the use of tobacco products and for regulation of emerging tobacco products in Pakistan to protect youth from this menace.