LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that the provincial government is implementing measures to enforce a ban on smoking in educational institutions. In her message on World No Tobacco Day, she emphasized that smoking in government offices, transport, and other public places is a punishable offense, and strict implementation of the law will be ensured.
Government Measures Against Smoking
She stated that all possible steps would be taken to discourage smoking and vaping among the youth. Raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco is not only the government's responsibility but also a social obligation, she added.
Health Risks and Global Impact
Meanwhile, General Cadre Doctors Association President Dr. Masood Sheikh, while addressing a workshop, said that around 80 percent of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries. World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31. Dr. Sheikh warned that e-cigarette use can increase conventional cigarette uptake, particularly among non-smoking youth.
According to a statement, new data reveals that at least 40 million children aged 13-15 globally currently use at least one tobacco product. Of these, 20 million smoke cigarettes and 10 million use smokeless tobacco. Dr. Asad Abbas Shah noted that all forms of tobacco use are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco.
Economic Costs of Tobacco
Dr. Javaid Mumtaz highlighted the economic costs of tobacco use, including expenses on treating diseases caused by the practice as well as the human capital lost to attributable morbidity and mortality.
