Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICT) has launched a campaign to fully implement anti-tobacco laws at public places and transport. Chief Commissioner Hamid Ali Khan said that ICT administration with the help of Islamabad traffic police and civil society organisation has also launched media campaign to educate people about dangers of smoking at public places.
He said that teachers, students and administrators of private and public sector universities would also be involved to make the campaign a success. Chief Commissioner said that the campaign aims to create awareness about the hazards of tobacco and to implement the "Prohibition of smoking and protection of non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002", declaring all public spots and transport non-smoking zones.
He said that seminars and workshops were also being held at rural areas like Tarlai, Barakahu, Sihala on harmful effects of smoking.
He said that special educative lesson were being given to drivers not to smoke themselves but also discourage passengers smoking in public transport. The current number of deaths from smoking in Pakistan is about 100,000 per year. The alarming impact of smoking had forced the government to issue the ordinance on "Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non Smokers Health Ordinance 2002" to arrest the menace in the country.