ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for stronger tobacco control measures, urging lawmakers and society to work together to protect current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.
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In his message on World No Tobacco Day, President Zardari said the occasion serves as a reminder of the nation’s shared responsibility to safeguard public health. He urged Parliament and provincial assemblies to introduce stronger legislation and ensure effective enforcement against tobacco use.
The president noted that tobacco remains one of the world’s leading public health threats despite decades of awareness campaigns highlighting its dangers. He stressed the need for comprehensive action to protect citizens from the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products.
According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use causes more than seven million deaths globally each year, including approximately 1.6 million deaths linked to exposure to second-hand smoke. These figures underscore the severe impact of tobacco on public health.
President Zardari expressed concern over the growing availability of products designed to attract younger consumers, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, nicotine pouches and other nicotine-based products. Health experts warn that early nicotine use can lead to long-term addiction and serious health complications.
He also highlighted the dangers of second-hand smoke, particularly for children, noting that exposure increases the risk of asthma, pneumonia, ear infections, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome.
The president said tobacco use contributes significantly to non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and chronic respiratory illnesses, placing a heavy burden on individuals, families and healthcare systems.
He further emphasized the economic impact of tobacco-related illnesses, stating that families often face financial hardship due to lost income and rising medical expenses when a breadwinner becomes ill.
Calling for collective action, President Zardari urged parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, artists and community leaders to play an active role in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promoting healthier lifestyles.
He said coordinated efforts across society can help reduce tobacco consumption, improve public health outcomes and build a healthier future for Pakistan.
