ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for enhanced awareness campaigns, stricter regulations and effective preventive measures to reduce tobacco consumption and safeguard public health.
In his message marking World No Tobacco Day, the president said the occasion serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect both present and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco products.
Citing global health data, he noted that tobacco use causes more than seven million deaths annually worldwide, including approximately 1.6 million deaths linked to exposure to second-hand smoke.
President Zardari said governments across the world, in collaboration with civil society organisations, have introduced various regulatory and awareness initiatives to discourage tobacco use and promote healthier lifestyles.
He stressed the need for Pakistan’s national and provincial legislatures to strengthen laws and establish robust enforcement mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens from the dangers of tobacco. He urged policymakers to take decisive steps to counter industries that profit from harmful tobacco products.
The president also highlighted the role of families and communities in supporting anti-tobacco efforts, saying meaningful changes at the grassroots level can contribute significantly to improving public health outcomes nationwide.
He reaffirmed the importance of a coordinated national response to reduce tobacco use and create a healthier future for coming generations.
