ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari said that World No Tobacco Day serves as a reminder of the country's shared responsibility to protect current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco products.
He urged parliament and provincial assemblies to introduce stronger laws and improve enforcement measures. He said the country must take effective steps to protect people from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products.
Furthermore he emphasizes that Tobacco remains one of the biggest public health threats in the world despite decades of warnings about its dangers.
Health experts and governments have worked for years to reduce tobacco use through awareness campaigns and stronger regulations. However, tobacco products continue to harm millions of people, including many in Pakistan.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco causes more than 7 million deaths each year worldwide. Around 1.6 million of these deaths result from exposure to second hand smoke. These figures highlight the serious impact of tobacco on public health.
Children and young people face the greatest risk. Tobacco and nicotine companies continue to promote products that attract younger users. These products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products. Health experts warn that early nicotine use can lead to lifelong addiction and serious health problems.
Message from President Asif Ali Zardari on World No Tobacco Day (31 May 2026)
It has been almost four hundred years since early writings first drew attention to the health hazards of tobacco. For decades, there has been a strong consensus in the scientific and health community… pic.twitter.com/Lk0y2k9iyP— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 30, 2026
Recent studies show growing concerns about the use of nicotine products in Pakistan and around the world. Researchers have also found cases where young people use tobacco products along with other harmful substances. This trend increases health risks and creates new challenges for families and communities.
Second hand smoke also harms children. It increases the risk of asthma, pneumonia, ear infections, low birth weight, and sudden infant death. As a result, tobacco affects not only smokers but also people around them.
Tobacco use contributes too many non-communicable diseases. These include heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses. Such diseases place a heavy burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems.
Many families experience the financial impact of tobacco-related illnesses. When a working parent becomes sick, household income often falls.
Medical treatment and hospital visits add extra costs. Families may struggle to pay for daily needs, while children can miss school because of these challenges.
The president also called on parents, teachers, artists, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to play an active role in raising awareness. He said communities can help reduce tobacco use by educating young people and promoting healthier lifestyles. Asif Ali Zardari also stressed on that collective action can improve public health and create a healthier future for Pakistan.
