Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
The recent revelations of connections between anti-tobacco NGOs in Pakistan and cigarette companies have ignited a significant controversy. The Human Development Foundation (HDF), a prominent anti-tobacco NGO, has been exposed for its ties with a well-known cigarette business family from Mardan, raising questions about the integrity and transparency of its operations.
On December 23, 2021, HDF organized an event that brought these controversial connections to light. Saad Rahman, owner of Mardan-based companies Marquor Tobacco and Millat Tobacco and then-President of the Mardan Chamber of Commerce, attended the event as the chief guest. During his speech, Rahman assured his full support to HDF, a statement that now appears laden with conflicting interests given his involvement in the tobacco industry.
Further investigation revealed that the Masood Welfare Trust, established by the same business family deeply entrenched in the cigarette industry, has been sponsoring students under the HDF program. This sponsorship has opened a Pandora’s box, revealing the intricate ties between anti-tobacco efforts and the cigarette industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sources indicate that the Masood Welfare Trust was established by the well-known Masood Sons family from Mardan. This family is also connected to Universal Tobacco Company, Saleem Cigarette Industries, Millat Tobacco, and Marquor Tobacco. Additionally, Saad Rahman is the first cousin of prominent politician Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman and a close relative of Haji Naseem Rahman, the CEO of Universal Tobacco Company and a former Member of the National Assembly.
Photos from the HDF program showing sponsorship from the cigarette industry also feature Qasim Khan, a member of the executive body of the Mardan Chamber of Commerce and an associate of FBU Tobacco Mardan. This connection between an anti-tobacco NGO and the cigarette industry has sparked outrage and allegations of hypocrisy and conflict of interest.
According to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) articles and guidelines, no anti-tobacco NGO, organization, or individual can have direct or indirect ties with the tobacco industry. The FCTC guidelines also strictly prohibit NGOs from receiving any form of funding from the tobacco industry. The secret connections and funding from the cigarette industry to HDF represent a clear violation of these guidelines, undermining the credibility of anti-tobacco efforts in Pakistan.
The exposure of these hidden ties has led to widespread criticism. Many have questioned the silence of anti-tobacco NGOs on local cigarette industry tax evasion and violations of advertising laws. Critics argue that these NGOs have formed pressure groups regarding tax policies, indirectly benefiting the local cigarette industry. The scandal has raised concerns about the effectiveness and sincerity of anti-tobacco campaigns in the country.
The revelation of HDF’s connections with the cigarette industry could have far-reaching implications for anti-tobacco efforts in Pakistan. It highlights the need for stricter regulations and greater transparency to ensure that organizations genuinely committed to public health are not compromised by conflicting interests.
This scandal underscores the urgent need for reform in the way anti-tobacco NGOs operate and are funded. Ensuring that these organizations adhere strictly to international guidelines and maintain transparency in their operations is crucial for the credibility and effectiveness of anti-tobacco initiatives.
In conclusion, the secret connections between the Human Development Foundation and the cigarette industry have brought to light significant ethical concerns. The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and transparency in public health initiatives, especially those aimed at combating harmful practices like tobacco use.
