ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged for united efforts to combat the pervasive and devastating impact of tobacco use on public health.
In his message, Shehbaz Sharif said that this year’s theme, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of future generations by reducing tobacco consumption.
The premier said that Tobacco not only affects individuals who use it but also poses serious risks to those around them. Pakistan beard a heavy burden of tobacco-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.
He said that his government has implemented strict measures to tackle tobacco use, such as prominent health warnings on tobacco products, banning the sale of loose cigarettes, and prohibiting tobacco advertising. However, to fully eradicate tobacco from Pakistan, we must reduce both its production and consumption.
To discourage its consumption, the government, he said, significantly increased tobacco taxation, reaching approximately 150%.
Furthermore, all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are banned, including on national media platforms and at points of sale.
He urged the civil society, professional associations, NGOs, and the media to join hands in national efforts to eliminate this menace.
By rejecting tobacco, we pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous Pakistan. Let’s unite, say “No to Tobacco,” and strive together to build a tobacco-free nation, concluded the premier.
