January 2023-Ongoing Fresh Air 4 Life (FA4LIFE) FA4LIFE is a 4-year implementation research study, covering a research area of high uncertainty that, considering the increasing NCD burden, will become even more important in years to come. The objective of this project is to empower adolescents for a healthier future by concurrently addressing tobacco control and promoting awareness about air quality. We will employ innovative, robust research methods that meaningfully engage those that matter yo...

November 2022-ongoing Tobacco control policies and the health of Adolescents in Pakistan (TAP) Tobacco control policies and the health of Adolescents in Pakistan (TAP) is a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project (reference number MR/X004228/1). The aim of TAP is to inform policies on plain packaging and taxation in Pakistan in order to reduce tobacco uptake and use in adolescents, thereby improving their health and preventing premature deaths and disabilities in later life. This will b...

WASTE RECYCLE SURVEY The waste recycle cigarette pack survey aims to assess the effectiveness of the tax stamp policy in combating the illegal trade of tobacco products This survey can provide valuable insights into whether the tax stamp policy is being implemented correctly and whether it has had any impact on reducing the illicit trade. Additionally, the survey can help to understand the compliance of tobacco companies with the tax stamp policy. Objectives: 1. To determine the proportion of il...

December 2021 to May 2022 STUDYING TOBACCO USERS OF P A K I S T A N (STOP2-R): REP E A T E D CROSS-SECTIONAL AND LONGITUDINAL SURVEY The STOP-R survey aimed to provide objective, regular and timely information on tobacco users (smokeless and smoked forms) living in rural areas of Pakistan to help key policy decisions. The specific objectives for this study were to assess, in rural areas, the: 1. Proportion of tobacco users who use illicit cigarettes 2. Nicotine dependence and motivation to quit...

May 2020-July 2020 INVESTIGATING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 EPIDEMIC AND ITS RESPONSE IN A COHORT OF SMOKERS IN PAKISTAN The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all aspects of life for a large proportion of the world’s population. The needs of the population living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) income countries such as Pakistan must be assessed and addressed to avoid widening existing global health inequalities. Pakistan was currently on an early b...

June. 2019 to Sep. 2020 STUDYING TOBACCO USERS OF PAKISTAN (STOP): REPEATED CROSS-SECTIONAL AND LONGITUDINAL SURVEY, STOP SURVEY In Pakistan, 19.1% adults consume tobacco causing around 160,000 deaths/year. Tobacco industry constantly interferes in policymaking – a key reason for ineffectual tobacco control. For example, a move to impose higher taxes on cigarettes was blocked on the basis of a fictitious industry ‘report’. This report (never made public) asserted that illicit trade constit...

July, 2015 to June, 2017 The efficacy of varenicline in achieving abstinence among Hookah Smokers, A Two-Arm, Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial The Hookah Trial was a clinical trial sponsored by the University of York and funded by GRAND 2014 Researcher Award. In Pakistan, Hookah continues as a common and traditional form of smoking tobacco. A range of behavioral and pharmacological therapies are available to support people in quitting cigarette smoking; however, little evidence...