akistan has one of the highest rates of tobacco consumption in the world and all the public health issues that come with this ignominious distinction. Unfortunately, the government’s efforts to curb smoking have largely been half-hearted and ineffective. The measures taken so far have failed to produce the desired results. This seeming apathy can perhaps be attributed to the lucrative nature of the tobacco industry, which appears to have overshadowed the dire public health implications. Though a significant increase in taxation has reportedly led to a decline in cigarette demand, the overall situation remainsdeeply concerning.
There is an urgent need for the government to formulate and implement a comprehensive and robust strategy to drastically reduce smoking across the country. Smoking-related illnesses and deaths are estimated to cost Pakistan nearly Rs700 billion annually in economic and healthcare losses – roughly 1.4 per cent of the national GDP. Without decisive action, the health and economic burden of smoking will continue to escalate.
Hussain Ahmad Siddiqui
Islamabad
The parliamentary system of government has been in place in Pakistan for about 50 years. By now, the country should...
The gold jewellery export sector is governed by SRO 760/2013, issued by the ministry of commerce. However, on May 6,...
Gulshan-e-Kaneez Fatima Block 2, a housing society in Karachi, is facing acute water shortages these days. The area...
The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Mike Hesson, a former New Zealand cricketer, as the new head coach for...
Global warming has become a serious concern for Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department , April...
India’s aggressive foreign policy moves to defame and isolate Pakistan have backfired and hurt its regional...