Nicotine nation

Nowadays, adolescent smoking is increasing day by day and is on its way to becoming one of the most pressing health issues in Pakistan. Smoking not only harms the smoker but also harms non-smokers who continue to consume this smoke through passive smoking.

According to WHO, 128,000 people die every year due to smoking. According to a report, 19.1 percent (23.9million) of Pakistan adults engage in smoking, in which 31.8 percent include men and 5.8 percent women. The ratio of smokers in rural areas is 3.9 percent as compared to 10 percent in the urban areas. Most often, smokers are aware of the harmful effects of smoking but they can’t seem to quit because they are addicted to the nicotine in the cigarette. The government of Pakistan needs to take comprehensive steps to control smoking, particularly among the youth. The government should increase taxes on cigarettes or raise their prices. In the longer term, tobacco companies should be banned in Pakistan. Different awareness programmes should be organized against smoking, especially in rural areas to control this habit. By taking the above steps, the government will be able to save so many lives.

Sumayya Arif

Karachi