The Battle Over Tobacco Regulation

Qamar Naseem

Peshawar: Whereas there is a worldwide acknowledgement that the use of tobacco adversely affects consumer health, the pro-tobacco lobby continues to vehemently resist any legislative attempts by governments to curtail its use.

Instead, the industry advocates working closely with the health family to raise awareness about the harms to the public health of tobacco consumption through public education and awareness.

The tobacco industry’s tactics, while universal in nature, take on regional nuances.

In Pakistan, as in many other countries, the tobacco industry has been relentless in protecting its interests. This has meant a lukewarm response to public health policies aimed at curbing tobacco consumption and its associated health hazards.

On a global scale, the tobacco industry’s resistance is primarily directed against the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC). This international treaty seeks to significantly reduce tobacco consumption and its devastating health consequences through various measures such as higher taxes on tobacco products, the prohibition of tobacco advertising and promotion, the creation of smoke-free environments, and more.

These measures strike at the very heart of the tobacco industry’s viability, prompting the development of a range of tactics to counteract and thwart the FCTC’s worldwide implementation.

To resist government regulation effectively, the tobacco industry employs a series of strategies. Public relations campaigns are a prominent weapon in their arsenal, aimed at shaping public opinion by portraying the industry as a responsible corporate entity, emphasising its economic contributions, and downplaying the health risks associated with smoking.

Additionally, the industry funds research and experts willing to challenge established scientific facts about smoking’s dangers, thereby creating controversy and doubt around the risks.

Political influence is another potent tool, as tobacco companies extend financial support to political parties and candidates sympathetic to their interests. This funding grants them significant sway over policy decisions, making it challenging for governments to pass and enforce strict anti-tobacco regulations.

Moreover, tobacco companies hire lobbyists to influence government policies and regulations, leveraging their connections and resources to advocate for policies that favour the industry.

The creation and support of front groups and alliances further add to their arsenal, as these entities advocate for tobacco industry interests under the guise of independent organisations, swaying public opinion and policy decisions.

Within the context of Pakistan, the tobacco industry has deftly adopted similar tactics to influence public health policies designed to reduce tobacco consumption. Although Pakistan ratified the WHO FCTC in 2005, pledging to implement measures like increasing tobacco taxes and banning tobacco advertising, the industry continues to thrive, largely due to its efforts to circumvent these regulations.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives serve as a key strategy in Pakistan, with the tobacco industry heavily investing in initiatives that present their corporate social responsibility. These initiatives often encompass funding for education, healthcare, and other social causes, creating a positive image of the industry’s corporate social responsibility.

Additionally, the industry has cultivated alliances with political parties and established front groups that advocate for its interests, effectively opposing or diluting anti-tobacco legislation and propagating the so-called harm reduction narrative.

The tobacco industry’s obstinate resistance to public health policies is a global dilemma, with its tactics adapting to regional landscapes. Pakistan, like many other nations, witnesses the industry employing multifaceted approaches that encompass public relations campaigns, political influence, CSR activities, and front groups to safeguard its interests.

Recognising these tactics and acknowledging the industry’s unwavering determination to undermine public health is essential for policymakers and advocates working towards reducing tobacco consumption and mitigating its severe public health consequences.

Vigilance and determination remain paramount when confronting this formidable adversary.

Qamar Naseem is a human rights activist. He tweets @QamarNaseemPak

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