Jamshoro (April 22, 2026): The Anti-Drugs and Tobacco Committee of Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro (SABS) University of Art, Design and Heritages Jamshoro organized a seminar in collaboration with Aga Khan University on the topic “Tobacco-Smoke-Free Cities: Implementation Research in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Vietnam”
The seminar aimed to facilitate a co-creation meeting focused on jointly designing effective strategies to strengthen the implementation of smoke-free laws on university campuses, contributing to the broader vision of developing smoke-free cities in Pakistan.
Addressing the participants, Principal Investigator Prof. Dr. Romaina Iqbal highlighted that the research study is being conducted across three countries, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam. She informed that in Pakistan, data is being collected from seven universities in Karachi and Jamshoro. Emphasizing the importance of the issue, she noted that tobacco consumption, including second-hand smoke exposure, remains a serious public health concern. She further shared that the first phase of the study has been completed, while the second phase will focus on assessing the implementation of smoke-free policies.
Senior Instructor Sabahat Naz delivered a detailed presentation on the findings of the first phase conducted at SABS University. She presented data related to smoke-free zones, existing rules and regulations, the role of the Anti-Drugs Committee, and other key indicators.
Research Specialist Ghazal Akhlaque and Field Supervisor Shaikh Kanwal also addressed the gathering, sharing insights from the ongoing research.
Convener of the Anti-Drugs and Tobacco Committee, Fazal Ellahi Khan, presented the initiatives undertaken by SABS University to establish a smoke-free campus. He elaborated on the committee’s history, various meetings held, and the positive response received from students, faculty, and staff.
The seminar witnessed a large participation of students, faculty members, and staff, reflecting strong institutional commitment toward promoting a healthier, smoke-free environment.
