Literally, cancer caused by smoking has proven to be one of the most common preventable dangers to human well-being (it causes 7 million deaths each year)—from the harmful effects on people and families to the burden on the healthcare system, And then to the economic loss caused by smoking and low labor productivity. However, despite continuous global efforts to combat this habit, we continue to smoke. This happens because of the strength and concealment of the tobacco industry, which collectively controls billions of dollars worldwide: it faces pressure in one place because many countries have implemented anti-smoking laws and taxes, including Pakistan Inside, it raised its ugly head in another aspect. Last week, the Pakistan National Heart Association issued an open letter in Islamabad, urging people with social influence to be alert to being lured into a movement called "Ab Khasara bus Khudara" initiated by the industry to protest the taxation of cigarettes. The government’s tobacco control team tells us that at least 23.9 million adults use tobacco in some form. Among adolescents (13-15 years old), 13.3% and 6.6% of girls are tobacco users. The WHO pointed out that due to "steady population growth, low prices, lack of awareness [...] and active tobacco industry marketing efforts", tobacco use here continues to grow. Although the country has taken measures, including a ban on sales to minors, a ban on smoking in public places, and a ban on advertising, this is still the case.

Contrast this with New Zealand's move to install circuit breakers last week. According to the plan, by 2027, people aged 14 and under will (among other measures) never be allowed to buy cigarettes in their lifetime. This Pacific country believes that other efforts have taken too long; therefore, it must actively protect the "new batch of youth." If this ban is really needed to eliminate this habit, then it must be done. Pana and others must stand their ground.

Published on December 14, 2021 Liming

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