Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for heightened public awareness and stricter enforcement of anti-tobacco measures, urging citizens to understand the severe health and social consequences linked to smoking and tobacco consumption.
In her message on World No-Tobacco Day, she described tobacco use as a significant public health concern, warning that it continues to contribute to a large number of preventable diseases and deaths.
She said the harmful effects of tobacco make it a serious threat to individual well-being as well as public health systems.
The chief minister stated that smoking is not merely a personal habit but a behavior with far-reaching consequences for health, finances, and society. She highlighted official figures indicating that tobacco-related illnesses are responsible for more than 250,000 deaths in the country, terming the situation deeply alarming.
Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government is actively working to strengthen enforcement of laws related to smoking restrictions, particularly in educational institutions, government offices, public transport, and other public spaces. She stressed that compliance with existing regulations will be ensured without exception.
She also raised concern over the increasing use of tobacco products and vaping among young people, noting that such habits are strongly linked to serious health complications, including cardiovascular diseases and long-term respiratory issues.
According to her, protecting the younger generation from tobacco addiction remains a key policy priority, with the government focusing on both regulatory action and awareness campaigns. She added that sustainable change can only be achieved through a combination of strict implementation and public education.
The chief minister further emphasised that awareness about the dangers of tobacco is a shared responsibility between the state and society. She urged families to take an active role in discouraging smoking and promoting healthier lifestyles within households.
Concluding her message, she appealed to citizens to support a smoke-free environment and take a collective pledge on World No-Tobacco Day to quit smoking and contribute towards a healthier and more responsible society.
