The Tragedy of Tobacco: A Call for Action in Pakistan By Junaid Tahir May 31st was observed globally as World No Tobacco Day ,...
The Tragedy of Tobacco: A Call for Action in Pakistan
By Junaid Tahir
May 31st was observed globally as World No Tobacco Day, with the core aim of raising awareness about the health hazards associated with smoking. In the UAE, electronic media channels ran extensive campaigns highlighting the life-threatening risks of tobacco use. As a symbolic move, the sale of tobacco products was banned for the entire day, sending a clear message — especially to the youth — to consider breaking free from this harmful addiction.
However, when we look at Pakistan, the situation is deeply disappointing.
Lack of Awareness and Policy Action
Not a single televised awareness campaign or ad was visible throughout the day on Pakistan’s mainstream media. While global and regional efforts intensified to educate and protect citizens, Pakistan remained silent.
Even more troubling is the price disparity. A packet of 20 cigarettes in Pakistan costs just 5 AED, compared to 60 AED in Australia and 40 AED in the UK. This low pricing and easy availability are alarming for a country where unemployment rates and economic stress are rising rapidly.
A Youth at Risk
In such an environment, the depressed and unemployed youth often turn to smoking, wrongly believing it will help them cope with stress — unaware that they are slowly poisoning themselves and increasing the risk of chronic diseases, especially cancer.
Tobacco provides a temporary escape but leaves behind permanent damage.
The Numbers Tell a Grim Story
According to a World Health Organization report, the average number of cigarettes smoked per adult per year in various countries is:
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Pakistan: 574
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India: 129
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Nigeria: 189
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Afghanistan: 98
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Sudan: 77
These numbers are a wake-up call. Pakistan’s tobacco consumption is alarmingly high, and yet there is minimal visible effort from the relevant ministries and authorities to counter this crisis.
A Strategic Way Forward
It is critically important for the Ministry of Health and allied government bodies to implement solid, strategic initiatives to curb tobacco use nationwide. Here’s what should be prioritized:
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Limit the availability of cigarettes in the market
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Strictly prohibit sales to individuals under 18
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Significantly increase the cost of tobacco products to make them less affordable
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Launch consistent awareness campaigns across:
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Television
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Radio
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Newspapers
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Social media
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Final Thought
Tobacco is not just a personal habit — it’s a national health crisis. If we truly care about the future of our youth and the wellbeing of our society, urgent and meaningful action is needed. Silence and inaction are no longer acceptable
About Author: Junaid Tahir is a passionate blogger. He writes articles on Leadership, Stress Management and Life Enhancement subjects at his personal blog
