Compliance with smoke-free policies is lacking

To protect the health of nonsmokers, the government passed a national tobacco control law, the Prohibition of Smoking in Enclosed Places and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance in 2002. Pakistan ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on November 3, 2004.

“Tobacco use is a major public health concern in Pakistan; 15.5% of the population smokes cigarettes (28.6% of men; 2.3% of women), and deaths can be attributed to tobacco-related diseases. Exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to disease and disability among nonsmokers, and death from heart disease, lower respiratory infections, asthma, and lung cancer,” says Ashiq Ali.

“Last year the Rawalpindi administration banned smoking in public places across the district and called upon all concerned to prepare plans to enforce the ban in its real spirit. The decision was a welcome step in the right direction, and, if enforced properly, could help its people,” says Fareed Hussain.

“Almost two decades later, compliance with smoke-free policies is lacking. Studies conducted in 2015 and 2018 found that compliance was lacking. Enhanced efforts by enforcement agencies and venue managers to establish 100% smoke-free public places is necessary,” adds Fareed.

“Compliance with smoke-free policies is imperative, as it protects the health of nonsmokers. Passing smoke-free legislation is not enough, proper implementation and enforcement of smoke-free legislation by public policymakers is crucial,” says Iftikhar Naqvi.

“The national law prohibits smoking in any place visited by the public, including health institutions, amusement centers, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, bus stops, educational institutions, offices, public transport, educational institutions, and sports stadiums. It also prohibits smoking in public service vehicles,” says Mazhar Abbas.

“The Ministry of Health of Pakistan issued new regulations in 2009 that rescinded a previously issued ordinance permitting the establishment of designated smoking areas (DSAs) and designated smoking rooms (DSRs) in public places, thus mandating all other public places listed in the law to be completely smoke-free,” says Rafique Haider.

“Results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey for Pakistan (2014), found that 70% of adults who worked indoors got exposure to second-hand smoke in their workplace, as were 90% of adults who visited restaurants, and 80% of adults who used public transport. More than 25% of young people aged 13–15 years in Pakistan get exposure to second-hand smoke at home,” says Jameel Zaidi.

“Passengers light cigarettes during travel in public transport and irritate the nonsmokers. I feel irritated whenever anyone smokes on public transport. Smokers mostly look with wrinkled brows whenever they are asked to stop smoking,” says Mohsin Reza.

Sarwar Jaafri says, “The government should direct the departments concerned to ensure the implementation of the ban on smoking in public places strictly. The use of tobacco is fatal for human health. Smoking causes more than 250,000 deaths every year in Pakistan. It is a matter of concern.”