In a picturesque setting amidst the lush greenery of Nathiagali, Chromatic organized a forward-thinking conference. Unlike your typical corporate gathering, this event was not about profits or market shares. It was a call to arms in the battle against the tobacco epidemic that plagues our modern world.
Gathering the Forces: Influencers Unite
Chromatic’s social media influencers conference marked a pivotal moment in our fight against the scourge of tobacco. Prominent social media influencers, tireless activists, and distinguished professionals came together under one roof. Their mission? To shed light on the grave dangers posed by modern tobacco products.
Dispelling the Smoke and Mirrors
One of the primary objectives of the conference was to dispel the common misconception that modern tobacco products are less harmful. The tobacco industry has been targeting the youth with enticing marketing schemes, all wrapped up in colorful packaging. But behind the façade of allure lies a dark truth – these products are just as dangerous as their traditional counterparts.
Voices of Reason
Among the notable speakers at the conference was Shariq Khan, the CEO of Chromatic. Khan passionately emphasized the dire consequences of modern tobacco products on public health. He shed light on how the manufacturers of these products strategically exploit social media platforms to lure unsuspecting youth into the harmful clutches of tobacco addiction.
Tayyab Raza, the program manager of Chromatic, presented alarming statistics. He revealed that over 1,200 children in Pakistan take their first steps into smoking every day. Modern tobacco products have infiltrated open markets, and set up shops near schools and universities, making it all too easy for impressionable students to fall prey to addiction.
Dr. Ziauddin Islam, the former technical head of the Tobacco Control Cell, lent his expertise to the conference. He dismantled the myth that modern tobacco products are safer than traditional cigarettes. Dr. Islam highlighted the detrimental health effects of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, underscoring their potential harm to users.
Battling the Approval of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs)
A matter of grave concern at the conference was the Ministry of National Health’s push for the approval of the statutory regulatory order (SRO) on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). Public health experts and activists urged the Prime Minister’s intervention to prevent the legalization of these products.
Health activists stressed that there is currently insufficient substantial evidence from credible research to support the assertion that HTPs are less harmful than conventional tobacco products. The misconception that HTPs are considered ‘reduced risk products’ compared to traditional cigarettes is a significant concern that should not be underestimated.
Influencers Taking a Stand
The conference served as a rallying point for social media influencers. They pledged to use their platforms to raise awareness about the menace of tobacco and the dangers of modern tobacco products. Their commitment to disseminating crucial information aims to protect young minds from the predatory tactics of the tobacco industry.
Chromatic’s social media influencers conference stands as a beacon of hope in our ongoing battle against the tobacco epidemic. It unites voices from various spheres to combat the deceptive allure of modern tobacco products and safeguard the health and well-being of Pakistan’s youth.
