Tobacco products are designed to kill half of their users. Despite overwhelming evidence of the dangers of tobacco use, relatively few users understand its health consequences. It is therefore vital that tobacco users be WARNED against its dangers verbally, visually, and textually. One of the most effective means of such WARNING is product packaging.
Article 11 of the WHO FCTC provides detailed information regarding these WARNINGS using text as well as images. The guidelines claim that the Pictorial/Graphic Health Warnings on the packaging are more likely to be noticed, cost nothing to the government, are rated more effective by the tobacco users, are more likely to remain salient over time, effectively communicate health risks of tobacco use, provoke more thought about cessation/quitting, and are associated to more attempts to quit.
The guideline further advises for these WARNINGS to appear on both the front and back of the packaging, be clear and large, and describe illness caused by tobacco. Similarly, innovative use of media is ideally suited for communicating these WARNINGS to tobacco users.
Foregoing in view, this panel will focus on Pictorial/Graphic/Textual WARNINGS on tobacco, electronic, and nicotine products, and dwell upon:
Design elements of the WARNING including location, size, color, rotation, message content, and language.
What processes could be followed to develop effective WARNING?
What is the WARNING status for GHW/PHW on cigarette packs and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) in Pakistan?
Regional and global best practices regarding Article 11 of FCTC including plain packaging.
© 2026 SDPI. All Rights Reserved Design & Developed by NKMIS WEB Unit
