Qamar Iqbal

Public Health & THR expert, Pakistan

A distinguished public health & THR expert from Pakistan with over 16 years of dedicated experience in tobacco control, harm reduction, and health education. As a seasoned professional, I have spearheaded impactful initiatives campaign, where I collaborated with government and community stakeholders to address tobacco use and air pollution in Pakistan. My leadership roles —including CEO of the Center for Public Health and Illicit Trade (CPHIT) and District Coordinator for WHO-backed tobacco control programmes— highlight my expertise in policy advocacy, research, and cross-sector collaboration. Notably, I established Pakistan’s first tobacco cessation clinic and led groundbreaking studies on illicit cigarette trade, demonstrating my commitment to evidence-based solutions.

My work extends to innovative harm reduction strategies, including research on nicotine pouches as alternatives to smokeless tobacco (e.g., “Naswar”), and promoted innovative smoking cessation solutions with the help of healthcare practitioners under the Knowledge-Action-Change (KAC) scholarships. AS “The consultant” with Alternative Research Initiative (ARI) focused on implementing and managing tobacco harm reduction strategies in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. I liaised with various stakeholders to strengthen ARI PANTHR networks. A skilled communicator and community mobilizer, I bridged gaps between policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and vulnerable populations.

As a candidate for SCOHRE’s Board, I will bring a unique blend of grassroots experience, scientific rigor, and advocacy prowess to advance equitable, science-driven tobacco harm reduction strategies worldwide. My vision aligns with SCOHRE’s mission to foster dialogue, reduce smoking-related harms, and promote sustainable public health innovations.