https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (Alliance News): Minister for Petroleum, Musadik Masood Malik, has stressed the need for collective efforts to combat tobacco use in Pakistan.
Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Sustainable Tobacco Control Policies: A Way to Healthier Pakistan’, Malik highlighted the dangers of smoking and urged for stronger action against the tobacco industry.
The event, organized by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), brought together government officials, public health experts, civil society members, and anti-tobacco activists to discuss the tobacco crisis and push for policy reforms.
“Smoking causes harm without any benefit,” Malik said. “The battle against smoking is also a battle against the mafia that profits from it. It won’t be easy, but it’s necessary.”
Malik also pointed out the alarming health risks, stating, “Smoking is deeply linked to cancer and many other diseases.
Each year, 150,000 to 200,000 people die from smoking-related causes in Pakistan. We must recognize that these numbers represent real lives lost.”
Former caretaker Minister for Information, Murtaza Solangi, also addressed the gathering. He emphasized that tobacco needs to be seen as a national issue.
“We must create an environment where media and society promote an anti-tobacco message,” he said.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Program Manager at SPARC, revealed that tobacco use claims 166,000 lives annually in Pakistan, which amounts to nearly 450 deaths each day.
He urged the government to take serious action to curb tobacco use, especially among young people.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Mati ur Rehman from the Health Services Academy, Muhammad Sabir from the Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC), and parliamentarian Nisar Ahmad Cheema.
They all stressed the urgent need for stronger policies to reduce tobacco use in the country.
