Ban on loose cigrattes sale still needs to be done

Islamabad: While applauding the Cabinet’s decision regarding imposition of a nationwide ban on the sale of loose cigarettes, The Network for Consumer Protection believes a lot still needs to be done, particularly with respect to enforcement of the underage no sale law.

“It has been always the duty of the government to protect its youth from the hazards of tobacco and we are thankful to the government for taking this concrete step,” the head of The Network Nadeem Iqbal said here Wednesday.

Nadeem hoped that the ban would be enforced in its true spirit. “In addition to the tobacco industry, retailers were the main beneficiary of loose cigarette sales as it earned them more money than selling a full pack. For instance, a single loose cigarette of Gold Leaf costs Rs8as against Rs135 for a whole pack,” he pointed out.

The Network has underlined the need to enforce underage no sale law. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2013, among current cigarette smokers who bought cigarettes, 44.9 per cent were not prevented from buying them because of their age.

The struggle for a tobacco free youth requires equal attention being paid to increase in tax on tobacco products, prohibition of underage sale, an increased percentage of Graphic Health Warning on cigarette packaging and a comprehensive ban on any form of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. “If we are able to legislate these areas, only then it will