Putting out the killer smoke: government's initiatives and achievements for Tobacco Control

It is well recognised that the use of tobacco has both medical and economic implications. Pakistan is a developing nation with the threat of tobacco use spreading rapidly, targeting the youth in particular.
The Government, in harmony with Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has taken numerous steps to stop this menace from spreading further.
Damage control policies also cover the areas of creating greater awareness among the potential victims and regulating the publicity of tobacco.
Efforts have also been made to safeguard the health of non-smokers. A two-pronged strategy has been adopted which aims at discouraging smokers and protect non-smokers.
1. PROHIBITION OF SMOKING AND PROTECTION OF NON SMOKERS HEALTH ORDINANCE 2002:
-- Prohibits smoking in public places and transport
-- Prohibits sale of cigarettes to minors (children less than 18 years)
-- Prohibits storage and sale of cigarettes within 50 meters of education institutions.
-- Prohibits tobacco advertisements, which do not follow guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health for tobacco advertisements.
-- Direct all institutions to display a board saying, "This is No Smoking Zone and Smoking is an Offence.
2. THE CIGARETTE (PRINTING OF WARNING) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 2002:
-- The amendment of the Ordinance of 1979 allows the Government to use a new, more effective and clear health warning in English and Urdu, on every packet of tobacco and on all types of advertisements on the media.
PROGRESS PROFILE:
-- The Government and Ministry of Health have ensured the reinforcement of the two above-mentioned Ordinances. Monitoring and vigilant checks are in place to achieve the objectives of the Ordinances.
-- Monitoring and vigilant checks are in place to achieve the objectives of the Ordinances.
-- The Government of Pakistan has become the signatory of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC).
-- Culture of 'say no to smoking' is being promoted through all channels of communication.
-- Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has been made smoke-free airways since May 31, 2004.
-- Five-Star restaurants, hotels and eateries are allowed to designate a smoking area for smokers in the worst corners (near toilets, kitchen etc).
-- New health warning on cigarettes is being printed w.e.f. 10 May 2004, (Warning: Smoking causes Cancer and heart diseases.
A two-pronged strategy has been adopted which aims at discouraging smokers and protect non-smokers.