World Tobacco Day, 2024

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) Jointly Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST) organized an interactive seminar at the University of Central Punjab in observance of World Tobacco Day on 4th June, 2024. The event featured notable speakers, including Dr. Noor ul Zaman, Ms. Iqra Hassan, and Ms. Wajeeha Jahangir, who discussed the harmful effects of tobacco use and explored strategies for its prevention.The session aimed to educate the youth about the dangers of tobacco consumption. Following the presentations, students participated in a creative activity, crafting slogans to raise awareness and promote a tobacco-free lifestyle. The event successfully engaged participants in meaningful discussions and activities focused on public health and tobacco prevention.

International Day Against Drug Abuse 2024

On June 26, 2024, an event was held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore to mark the “International Day Against Drug Abuse” to raise awareness, foster collaboration and contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce Substance abuse and support those affected by it.

This event featured both, a seminar and a walk, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to promote a drug-free society.

The event was a collaborative effort by several prominent organizations: Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Phoenix Foundation for Research and Development, the Anti-Narcotics Force Punjab, and HANDS Pakistan.

The event successfully brought together key stakeholders from different sectors including Ministers, Law Enforcement Agencies, Academia and Organization Heads to discuss and address the issue of substance abuse.

There was a series of talks and presentations by experts from various walks of life. These experts highlighted the psychological and social effects of drug abuse, the importance of preventive education, and the role of community support in rehabilitation. They emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach involving education, law enforcement, community support, and policy-making.

Following the seminar, participants took part in a walk around the stadium to symbolize unity and commitment to the cause of a drug-free society. The walk served as a public demonstration of the collective effort needed to tackle drug abuse. This was a significant steps towards creating a safer and healthier society, free from the scourge of drug abuse.

Training of Trainers Workshop, 2024

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning in collaboration with Health department Sindh, and Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi, successfully completed training trainers (ToT) workshop on screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (SBIRT), from Januray 16-17, 2024. We have trained 13 professionals. Training participants came from different places, including Karachi, hyderabad, and Nawabshah. institutions participated in this training were Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), Dow Univeristy of Health Sciences, and Karwan e Hayat. We pay our sincere gratitude to the chairman DDR task force Prof. Dr. Imran Bashir Chaudhry, honourable Health Miniter, Prof. Dr. Saad Khalid and all the worthy members and institutions supported us. It was only possible because of your commitment, hard work, and dedication to serve our communities nit only in the sindh province but also across the country.

Presentation at WPA, 2023

Ms. Muqaddas Asif, Lead for divisions of Substance use and related addiction disorder presented “Culturally Adapted Motivational Interviewing with Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Substance Use Disorder in Pakistan,” at the prestigious World Psychiatric Association Conference in 2023. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a global health challenge, and its impact resonates deeply within diverse cultural contexts. This presentation delves into an innovative and culturally sensitive approach to addressing SUD in Pakistan. The research showcases the successful integration of culturally adapted Cognitive Behavior Therapy Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention techniques to cater to the unique needs of individuals in Pakistan. This presentation reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and addiction treatment in Pakistan and beyond, contributing to the global dialogue on evidence-based practices.

Intensive and Interactive Training, 2023

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) organized an intensive and interactive 4-day training of #StrongFamiliesProgramme with the collaboration of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The training was facilitated by Dr. Aala-El-Khani from UNODC and engaged 38 early career researchers, psychologists, community workers, and teachers across Pakistan. These participants represented different organizations and universities including PILL, UNODC Pakistan, Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF), Agha khan social welfare board, Management and Development Centre Gilgit Baltistan, Phoenix Foundation for Research and Development, University of Karachi, National Centre for Research on Suicide Prevention Fatima Jinnah Women University, and Bahauddin Zakaria University.

World Tobacco Day, 2023

Ishrat Hussain Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) recently organized an online webinar series to put efforts to contribute to awareness raising on World Tobacco Day 2023. The webinar series aimed to raise awareness about the hazards of tobacco consumption and to promote a smoke-free lifestyle.

The speakers shared their insights and knowledge and emphasised the importance of effective tobacco control policies as well as the need for collaborative efforts to combat tobacco-related health issues.

Key topics covered during these webinar series included the impact of tobacco on physical and mental health, tobacco control initiatives, and effective cessation methods. Attendees were also educated about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the importance of creating smoke-free environments.

Participants from various backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, researchers, psychologists, and psychiatrists actively engaged in the discussions. The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas, best practices, and innovative strategies to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health.

This online platform allowed wider participation and facilitated access to valuable information for individuals across different regions of Pakistan. PILL’s initiative in organizing these webinar series demonstrated its commitment to promoting public health and empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding tobacco use.

Stop Smoking, 2022

No Health without Mental Health

World No Tobacco Day 2022

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning organized a webinar on 31st May 2022, the day that is marked as WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY. The webinar was intended to inform the general public about the hazards of tobacco use, the business practices of tobacco companies such as advertisements that are striking, and what we can do to play a role in the prevention of tobacco use.

Our guest speakers were Dr. Salman Shahzad, Clinical psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Karachi; Dr. Noor-ul-Zaman, Chief Executive Officer at Phoenix Foundation for Research and Development; and Dr. Munazza Obaid, Assistant Professor, Dow University of Health Sciences.

In this webinar, our speakers draw the attention of participants to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to the negative effects of using tobacco. They also highlighted the number of immature deaths caused by tobacco use which is approximately 8 million deaths each year worldwide, including 1.2 million as the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

World No Tobacco Day 2021

PILL SUD group organized an online seminar to participate in World No Tobacco Day activities and to spread awareness regarding on theme of the year that was, ‘the prevention of tobacco all around the globe on the day of World No Tobacco Day’. Guest Speakers of the seminar were Dr Saima Sandhu, Mr Ali Adyb, Miss Fauzia Saeed, Dr Noor ul Zaman Rafiq. Prof Zainab Zadeh, head of Child and Adolescents division at PILL gave the opening note and Mr, Ameer Bukhsh, Assistant Director gave the ending note. The role of smoking as a gateway to other substances and importance of psychotherapy in the treatment of smoking was focused. Around seventy participant including professionals and students attended and participated in this event.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021

An online event was celebrated on International day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking and Guest Speakers – Daniela Ocaña-Gordillo from Inter-American Drug Control Commission, Dr Joseph Meagher Associate Medical Director Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust, Dr Noor ul Zaman Rafiq CEO PFRD, and Dr Salman Shehzad, Associate Professor at University of Karachi were invited for talks with audience, spreading awareness on drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

World Tobacco Day, 2017

Alcohol Substance Misuse

14th November (Tuesday) 2017, 10 am – 2 pm

Organized by Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning